As part of my Department's research and in response to ongoing requests from the farming organisations, a small percentage of the badger population is removed each year under licences approved by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. During 1999, up to 20% of the badgers removed under licence displayed evidence of being infected with TB. The objective in this regard is to find a solution that will provide protection for both bovines and badgers.
In the context of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, PPF, it was agreed to commit staff resources in each district veterinary office to carry out investigative work into the causes of herd breakdowns including, inter alia, further research into the role of badgers. A proactive approach to the removal of all sources of infection will be taken in each DVO area using 75 dedicated personnel, of which 48 are expected to be from the farm relief service. Their efforts will be concentrated in 20% of the country which yields 50% of current TB reactors. The detailed measures involved will be finalised over the coming months in the context of the animal health forum.
Applications for licences for badger removals are made following evaluations by veterinary inspectors of relevant information regarding likely sources of infection in particular breakdowns, and licences generally include conditions relating inter alia to area involved, duration, means of capture, frequency of inspections, etc.
Every effort is made to ensure that badgers are removed with the minimum of stress and my Department's staff are sensitive to the issue of breeding badgers in regard to the timing of the field operations.
