Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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702. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that are ongoing in the context of bovine TB eradication with particular reference to the need to identify animal or bird life deemed to be carriers of the disease; the scientific evidence available in this regard to date; the actions proposed on foot thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54183/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Bovine TB is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium bovis (M bovis), with infection endemic in cattle and badgers in Ireland. Birds are not susceptible to infection with this bacteria, and so cannot become carriers. While many mammalian species may become infected with M bovis (including humans), these are generally spillover infections rather than the result of ongoing circulation within these other species. It is important to note that infections in other species are identified at a very low rate each year, with comprehensive surveillance through my Departments Veterinary Laboratory Service (VLS) and Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVL).

When M bovis infection is identified, actions are taken to manage any risks to public and animal health. This may include advice to the owner, additional testing of any bovines co-located with the infected animals, or additional testing of any cohorts of the infected animal, as appropriate to the situation, in addition to biosecurity advice. The premises may be restricted pending the resolution of the incident to prevent spread to other holdings.

Ireland’s bTB Eradication Programme is in line with best national and international scientific research and advice. The bovine TB eradication programme continues to be based on science and informed by ongoing research into this disease. My Department has for many years provided funding for TB epidemiological research and continues to do so.

The new TB eradication strategy, which I launched in January 2021, sets out the actions which, together with stakeholders, my Department will take to reduce TB transmission, drive towards eradication, prevent cattle from infection and protect farm families from the stress of a TB breakdown in their herd. The strategy is available at www.bovinetb.ie.