Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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119. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the consideration that was given to the additional cost associated with complying with new TB regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53240/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am acutely aware of the stress caused by a TB breakdown on a farm and I am committed to driving down TB rates.

As a result of the EU Animal Health Law Regulation 2016/429, new requirements in relation to TB testing have been introduced. These regulations came into effect in April 2021 and are directly applicable to all EU member states.

The Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum, which comprises of representatives from across the agri-food sector, leading researchers and my Department, has agreed to the introduction of these mandatory requirements on a phased basis.

The requirements of phase one are that:

1. Cows of all ages and males over the age of 36 months moving farm to farm or through a mart must have been TB tested in the last six months, and

2. They must also be moving from a herd that has been tested in the last six months.

If the animal being moved does not meet the requirements, it must be TB tested 30 days prior to or 30 days post movement into the new herd. The animal is restricted to the receiving herd until the test is complete and clear.

The regulations are being introduced in two phases. Phase one is to be implemented on the 1^stFebruary 2023. A communications campaign to inform farmers of these new requirements will commence in the next few weeks.

Farmers will be notified of the requirements by way of an email or hard copy leaflet and frequently asked questions explaining the requirements. Farmers will also receive a text message with a link to the leaflet and FAQs on the Government’s bovine TB website bovinetb.ie There will also be a number of media articles concerning the requirements. Farmers can also contact their local Regional Veterinary Office for information and advice.

No date has yet been set for phase two which will see the rule applied to all animals. Phase two will only commence following engagement with farm organisations.

These new requirements are aimed at reducing the level of transmissible disease in animals, including bovines. These requirements are applicable across all EU member states.

The Financial Working Group of the TB Forum is currently examining the financial aspects of the TB programme to ensure a sustainable funding model for the programme is developed.