Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2023
313. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the herd incidence of bovine tuberculosis in each of the years 2018 to 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20335/23]
View answerThe table below displays bovine TB Herd Incidence levels for each of the years 2018 to 2022.
While the incidence of bTB is low relative to historical levels, the number of new restrictions and reactor numbers have gradually increased slightly over the last few years. Our TB herd incidence level for 2022 has improved slightly with a decrease from the previous year 4.33% to 4.31%.
The reasons for increase in disease over the last number of years are multifactorial and often relate to a combination of national and local factors. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, residual or introduced infection, how disease is distributed in the area, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a herdowner can take to reduce risks on their farm, and when buying in animals.
Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme operates in line with best national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of TB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principal causes of TB introduction and spread include:
• movement of cattle with undetected infection.
• residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB.
• spread across farm boundaries.
• indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or
• spread from infected badgers to cattle.
This research has recently been reviewed in its entirety for the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum by its Scientific Working Group, which comprises a panel of internationally recognised experts in TB research.
The details of the new TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie.
|
Year |
TB Herd Incidence |
|
2022 |
4.31% |
|
2021 |
4.33% |
|
2020 |
4.38% |
|
2019 |
3.72% |
|
2018 |
3.51% |
