Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1091. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding vaccination against TB (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12017/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) is a highly infectious disease of cattle caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). At present, there is no legal vaccine available to use against bTB in cattle. The Bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccine is not approved for use in cattle. In addition, it is impossible to distinguish between a BCG-vaccinated and TB-infected bovine therefore the vaccination of cattle against bTB is forbidden under EU and international law.

Scientific research is being carried out to develop a test that can differentiate between infected and vaccinated animals. Until such a test is developed and receives both EU and international approval, Ireland's current bTB testing protocol as per EU regulations will continue.

In relation to the eradication of this disease, I recently launched a new Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021-2030. The implementation of this strategy will be overseen by the established Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum along with support from three working groups on science, implementation and finance, ensuring that all aspects of the Strategy are addressed. As we are dealing with an infectious disease, the strategy is not set in stone - it is a living document which will be subject to amendment and refinement on an on-going basis. This new bTB Strategy is available on www.bovinetb.ie.

At the most recent Forum meeting on Thursday 4^thFebruary 2021, it was agreed by all stakeholders that extensive consultation, on the implementation of the Strategy, as part of the Forum process, will develop a shared understanding of how collectively we can reduce TB incidence. My Department remains committed to reducing and ultimately eradicating bTB in Ireland. Attaining bTB-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 bTB restriction represents a significant emotional and financial challenge to the farm family concerned.

I want to work with all stakeholders in ensuring fewer herd owners experience the challenges associated with a bTB restriction and that we work purposefully towards eradication of this disease, thus eliminating this on-going cost on farmers and the State.