The herdowner named had a TB breakdown in 2011 during which a number of calves were identified as reactors. The calves were euthanised on farm with his consent.
As stated previously, my Department has engaged extensively with the herdowner on this issue including through a number of meetings with senior officials. As part of this engagement, the herdowner was provided with my Department’s protocol for the “Removal of Calves from holdings under the TB and Brucellosis Eradication Programme” which takes account of the specific situation that occurred on the herdowner’s farm.
I am satisfied that the matter was handled in full compliance with this protocol and was carried out in the best interests of animal health and welfare in the circumstances pertaining to the herd at the time.
A copy of the document mentioned above is attached for the attention of the Deputy.
ER152011