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Animal Diseases

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Ceisteanna (142)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

142. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence issued by his Department entitled Bovine TB Herd History Risk Statement and Report sent to farmers which references historic trading details and the advice to cull their herds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23971/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Herd Test History Statements and Reports issued to all cattle herdowners with the aim to help them to reduce the risk of Bovine TB in their herds.

The Bovine TB Forum Interim Report identified the need to provide more effective information to farmers to help them reduce the risk of TB in their herd and  advocated for the  development of herd risk categories that are “simple, clear, and convey sufficient information to enable farmers to make the decisions appropriate to their situation”. Against this background, the Department developed individualised reports that provide a simplified TB herd risk category for farmers, with herd-specific advice on how to reduce risk of TB.

There is a large, robust body of scientific evidence on bovine TB and this scientific evidence underpins the advice contained in the herd history statement.  Furthermore, the content of the statement is consistent with advice that has been provided by my Department for several years in newsletters, videos, leaflets and other media. Farmers are already provided with information in relation to their TB risk, but this new report presents this in a very much more user friendly, detailed and practical form.

Following 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 following the issuance of these letters and I am eager to schedule a TB Forum meeting as soon as possible 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.

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