TB Reactor Numbers Escalate as Minister Reduces Staff Resources in TB Programme – IFA

IFA Animal Health Chair TJ Maher has reacted with anger to the updates provided to the TB Implementation Group by the Department of Agriculture.  

We are going to lose up to 10,000 more productive animals from our farms this year with reactor numbers predicted to hit 40,000.  Over 700 more farmers to-date or 5.5% of herds have had their farms restricted, while in the same period the Wildlife Control Programme have only dealt with an extra 200 badgers,” he said 

TJ Maher said that the situation is being made more complicated by the announcement from the Department of Agriculture that the Wildlife Control Programme is losing eight of its full-time staff members as a result of the Government HR moratorium.  

“These are critical areas in investigating and resolving TB breakdowns and ensuring timely removal of reactors which are vital if we are to get TB numbers under control.” said Mr. Maher  

Mr. Maher called on the Government to make their position on the eradication of TB clear. He also highlighted the impact both personally and financially that TB breakdowns and the reductions in key resources will have on farmers across the country.  

The Animal Health Chair stressed that farmers need to see real action from the Minister for Agriculture and his colleagues. Finally, he highlighted the need for a fully resourced Wildlife Control Programme based on density reduction with full Veterinary and Technical Officer staff to investigate TB breakdowns and ensure the removal of reactors.