Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
133. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will reconvene the tuberculosis forum; his views on whether farmers' faith in this forum is being eroded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23942/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing many successful years of reducing bovine TB levels to the benefit of Irish farmers, there has been a concerning incremental increase in the disease since 2016. This has continued in 2020 with further increases in herd incidence and reactor numbers observed. Herd incidence (on a 12-month rolling basis) has breached 4% for the first time since 2012 and reactor numbers have exceeded 20,000 – the highest number since 2009. These trends highlight the need for urgent action by all stakeholders to manage the risk more effectively across all transmission routes. It is this need for action that is my Department’s primary motivation in issuing the herd history statements.
Whilst the immediate trends are disappointing and worrying, great progress has been made over the past decade. During 2009, 5,860 herds were subject to restriction whilst the number in 2019 was 4,060. By working together, we have made progress before and we can do so again. I have listened carefully to the concerns raised by farmers and I am eager to schedule a TB Forum meeting next week to further develop a shared understanding of how collectively we can reduce TB incidence.
My Department remains committed to reducing TB in Ireland as demonstrated by the recent sanctioning of an additional 16 officers to assist the TB Programme. Attaining TB-free status remains critical from a farm family profitability and sustainability perspective and from a trade perspective at national and at international level. I am acutely conscious that every TB restriction represents a significant challenge to the farm family concerned. It is a deep regret that today over 2,700 herds are currently restricted which represents a 21% increase on the same time last year. I want to work with all stakeholders in ensuring fewer herdowners experience the challenges associated with a TB restriction and that we work purposefully towards eradication of this disease, thus eliminating this on-going cost on farmers and the State.
