Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

855. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the bovine TB eradication scheme continues to meet its targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42064/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Following many successful years of reducing bovine TB levels to the benefit of Irish farmers, there has been a concerning incremental increase in the disease since 2016. This has continued in 2020 with further increases in herd incidence and reactor numbers observed. Herd incidence (on a 12-month rolling basis) has breached 4% for the first time since 2012 and reactor numbers have exceeded 20,000 – the highest number since 2009.  These trends highlight the need for urgent action by all stakeholders to manage the risk more effectively across all transmission routes. 

Whilst the immediate trends are disappointing and worrying, good progress has been made over the past decade. During 2009, 5,860 herds were subject to restriction whilst the number in 2019 was 4,060.  By working together, we have made progress before and we can do so again.

The next TB Forum meeting scheduled for Tuesday 8 December is to further develop a shared understanding of how collectively we can reduce TB incidence.  My Department remains committed to reducing and ultimately eradicating TB in Ireland as demonstrated by the recent sanctioning of an additional 16 officers to assist the TB Programme. Attaining TB-free status remains critical from a farm family profitability and sustainability perspective and from a trade perspective at national and at international level. I am acutely conscious that every TB restriction represents a significant challenge to the farm family concerned.

It is a deep regret that today over 2,700 herds are currently restricted which represents a 21% increase on the same time last year. I want to work with all stakeholders in ensuring fewer herdowners experience the challenges associated with a TB restriction and that we work purposefully towards eradication of this disease, thus eliminating this on-going cost on farmers and the State.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

856. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which outbreaks of bovine TB have been isolated and attributed in each of the past five years to date; the measures taken or proposed to curtail any spread in the disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42065/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The table at the link details the number of herds experiencing a new restriction, due to bovine TB, since 1st January each year, by county. While TB disease is low relative to historical levels, the number of new restrictions and reactor numbers have been gradually increasing since 2016. The pace of deterioration has accelerated in 2020.

The reasons for the increased TB incidence in the herds in these areas are multi-factorial and require a range of measures to address the issue. Within each county the TB programme focuses on wildlife, how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and frequency and isolation 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 necessary measures to assist in reducing the risk of recurrence.

My Department is engaged with all stakeholders through the TB Forum to bring forward a renewed strategy to move forward towards eradication of the disease.  

Please see www.bovinetb.iefor more information.