Dr. Damien Barrett:

I can answer that. We have evidence that deer are involved in the epidemiology of TB in County Wicklow. We have whole-genome sequencing that links the TB in cattle, deer and badgers. Post-mortem tests have been carried out on deer in County Wicklow which show TB levels at between 12% and 16%. In the rest of the country, the level of TB detected is of the order of 2%. We do not see that clear epidemiological link in County Wicklow, or we have not seen it yet, nor do we want to. We have not seen evidence of the clear epidemiological link between TB in deer and TB in cattle. We are anxious that if anybody has any suspicions of TB in deer that those plucks are brought to the local regional veterinary laboratory to be tested so we can follow up. That will be at no cost to whoever brings in the sample.

The Chairman mentioned the advice to fence off badger setts. That is not so much to keep badgers in as it is to keep cattle away from the badgers. As the Chairman rightly pointed out, badgers can travel. The badger may be toileting in the environs of the sett and the trees and pasture in the area may be contaminated. It is not realistic to think it is possible to keep badgers trapped.

One thing we remind people who have suspicions is that technology is now a lot cheaper. People can set up wildlife cameras in their yards. These are nocturnal animals and people might not be aware that the badgers are coming into their yards. It may be easier said than done to badger-proof or badger-fence a yard but there are some practical things people can do. They are a wild species and are not easily managed. There is no doubt about that.