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Tuberculosis Eradication Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Questions (456)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

456. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to put in place a scheme to cull badgers to stop the spread of tuberculosis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6733/18]

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Written answers

I am informed that the outbreak in the Iveragh Peninsula is largely confined to eight electoral divisions, namely Loughcurrane, Derriana, Canuig, Emlagh, Ballinskelligs, Castlequin, Bahaghs and Killinane. During 2017, 53 herds in these areas were restricted with a total of 302 reactors removed. 32 of the restrictions followed reactor disclosure at a contiguous herd test.

Since the first breakdown in the area in Autumn 2016, the outbreaks have been investigated and managed by my Department’s Veterinary Inspectorate (in cooperation with local herd-owners and veterinary practitioners). They have conducted epidemiological investigation of all herds with more than 2 reactors, blood sampling of all reactors for quality control purposes, diagnostic blood testing of high risk groups within the herd, identification of contiguous holdings and additional testing as required, as well as subjecting the herd to further diagnostic tests where it is considered that the infection is of a more chronic nature.

Ireland’s TB Eradication Programme incorporates a wildlife strategy since 2004 which includes the removal of badgers from areas where there has been a TB outbreak with evidence of an epidemiological link to badgers. Badgers are protected by national legislation and are captured under licence, issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This strategy is informed by considerable scientific evidence of a link between badgers and cattle in the context of the spread of bovine TB. In line with this policy, where badgers are identified as a likely source in the Iveragh Peninsula a survey is carried out and badgers are captured and removed.

My Department has recently introduced the vaccination of badgers against tuberculosis as an integral part of the bovine TB eradication programme. This marks a major step forward in the bovine TB eradication programme and follows years of scientific research. The most recent research findings confirm that vaccination of badgers can play a role in reducing the level of infection in cattle. It will enable Ireland move forward towards eradication of bovine TB in a controlled holistic way, which will serve to protect the badger population whilst also protecting cattle and the livelihoods of farmers. The vaccination programme has commenced in the areas which have already been part of the field trials demonstrating the effectiveness of badger vaccination. It will roll out incrementally to other parts of the country over time, with vaccination gradually replacing the need to remove badgers. It is not appropriate to initiate a vaccination programme in an area where there is an active outbreak of disease.

I would also point out that there are other factors that contribute to the spread of tuberculosis which may be contributing to the problem in this area. For example, there are a significant number of animals traded locally within the area and the clustering of outbreaks indicates that the contiguous spread between herds is likely a factor. Farmers in the area are to be congratulated for their efforts to increase biosecurity which will further reduce the risk of future outbreaks.

Finally, while it is too early to formulate any definitive conclusions, early indications are that the situation in South Kerry is showing signs of improvement. The rate of reactor disclosure and herd restrictions has abated. A significant number of herds have recently had one clear test and a smaller number have had their second clear test and are no longer restricted.

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