Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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340. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which bovine TB continues to be a problem for the beef and dairy sectors; the new efforts being made to examine the deer population and other non-farm animals that might be potential carriers in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18890/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Bovine tuberculosis (TB), caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis, is a persistent problem in cattle herds in Ireland. The epidemiology of TB is complex and challenging. I am committed to making real progress in eradicating TB because I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial pain associated with a TB breakdown.

There are three main sources of infection for cattle - the purchase of infected cattle, the presence of residual (undetected) infection within cattle herds and from wildlife (badgers predominately). The relative importance of these factors vary from herd to herd and all three need to be addressed to protect livestock and eradicate TB.

As of 16^thApril 2023, on a 12-month rolling basis herd incidence has slightly increased to 4.42% compared to 4.38% at same time last year. In the past 12 months 4,563 TB Herds were restricted, compared to 4,607 in the previous 12-month period. A decrease of 44 TB Herds restricted (1%).

The expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has had an impact on bTB levels since dairy herds, larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds that buy in cattle are all more at risk of bTB breakdown. The attached file provides the reactor percentage per herd type for 2022.

As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors.

Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on their farm, and when buying in animals.

My Department's aim is to reduce the density of badgers in areas of high TB prevalence. However, it is acknowledged that culling on its own is not sustainable as a long-term measure, and a vaccination programme has now also been integrated into the DAFM Wildlife Programme. I have, over recent budgets, provided significantly extra funding for the Wildlife Programme and I will continue to back its work.

Badger vaccination is now an integral part of the Irish TB Eradication Programme. This follows over 15 years of research work using BCG vaccine to prevent tuberculosis infection in badgers, and scientific trials carried out between 2013 and 2017 that show that vaccination is no less effective than culling.

Badger vaccination is thus being substituted for continued culling of badgers such that a significant reduction in the numbers of badgers culled can be achieved over the coming years while still maintaining effective control of the risk posed to cattle.

The large-scale roll-out of badger vaccination commenced in late 2019. Every year more and more of the countryside is designated as vaccination zones. This is reflected in the numbers of badgers captured for vaccination in these zones rising from an initial figure of 1,937 badgers in 2019, to 4,698 badgers in 2020. This figure rose again in 2021 to 6,586 badgers, with a further 7,244 badgers captured in vaccination zones in 2022.

Deer within the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts, which falls within the responsibility of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Deer may be controlled by landowners in accordance with the Wildlife Acts, by way of licensed hunting. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) considers applications and where appropriate, issues licenses to allow the hunting of wild deer. Landowners may apply directly to the NPWS for these licenses.

The Minister for Housing and I launched a consultation on a National Deer Management strategy for deer in late 2022. The consultation process was open until 10^thFebruary where views of the public on the relative importance of any issues associated with deer, potential solutions, potential barriers to their implementation and how these can be addressed.

The Deer Management Strategy Group, chaired by Mr Teddy Cashman, is now examining these submissions with a view to direct further discussions with stakeholders in formulating a strategy to manage deer, which will require the input of the various stakeholders. My Department has and will continue provide the leadership in facilitating these discussions. In addition, my Department is funding research on deer ecology in Ireland. This project, which is being carried out by scientists in UCD, will help to provide an evidence base for those considering wild deer management issues.

As I said, I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. We have made good strides since I launched the new TB Strategy in 2021 with all stakeholders working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.

Herd type and animal type of reactors in 2022 (full year)