Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 November 2019
54. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on his forthcoming TB eradication strategy; the way in which it proposes to reduce the incidence of the disease here while continuing to support farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49120/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s TB eradication Programme aims to drive bovine TB (bTB) disease levels down towards the target of eradication by 2030. It is focussed on measures which will further reduce transmission of bTB. In the coming weeks, I will be launching a renewed strategy underpinned by the principle of supporting and empowering farmers to reduce the bTB risk to their cattle by making informed choices to protect their herd and their neighbour’s herds. Equally, there is a particular focus on assisting herdowners whose herds are affected with bTB and to clear their herds of infection.
Stakeholders have recognised that further preventative measures are required if the ambition of eradication by 2030 is to be achieved. Steadily reducing the risk of disease transmission is the best way in which support can be provided to all Irish farmers – those whose herds are impacted by bTB and critically those whose herds are clear and who wish to remain free of the disease. The recommendations made by the bTB Stakeholders Forum will inform the development of this strategy, and stakeholder involvement and leadership will continue to be critical to successfully eradicating bTB.
The risks associated with each potential transmission channel will be reduced through a series of coordinated measures, which will be applied in addition to the existing programme and in full compliance with the EU requirements for bTB eradication.
While the strategy is still be being finalised, some of it central themes will be:
1. Reducing the spread of bTB via cattle to cattle transmission.
2. Reduce transmission at the cattle/wildlife interface
3. Improving farmers' understanding of risk with clearer communication
4. Greater stakeholder leadership, ownership and involvement; and
5. Continually improve programme effectiveness through review and amendments
