Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
690. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if efforts continue to be made to identify the causes of TB arising from the increase in the number of bovine TB incidents throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60483/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra691. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an increase in the number of deer has been associated with the breakdown of bovine TB eradication measures; if deer samples have been examined in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60484/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra692. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if deer or badgers are likely to be identified as carriers of bovine TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60485/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 690, 691 and 692 together.
I draw the Deputy’s attention to PQ Ref 52873/21 which he tabled on 2nd November 2021 regarding the extent to which my Department has identified the causes for the spread of bovine TB. My response outlined that the research on the role of wildlife in bovine TB has recently been reviewed for the Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum by its Scientific Working Group which is composed of a panel of internationally recognised experts in TB research.
The Scientific Working Group concluded that:
- Badgers do contribute to bTB in cattle in Ireland, which is addressed through my Department’s badger vaccination and culling programmes operated under licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service;
- Deer-to-cattle spread is only likely to occur to any meaningful extent in Co Wicklow. My Department supports deer control by advising farmers to manage deer populations on their land, including through culling where necessary and by providing free testing of deer for bTB through the Regional Veterinary Laboratory network.
A detailed breakdown of the results of laboratory TB testing of wild deer and badgers was also provided to the Deputy on 2nd November 2021 in response to earlier questions tabled, PQ Refs 41707/21 and 41708/21.
The reasons for the increase in TB levels from 2016-2020 are multifactorial and often relate to a combination of national and local factors. The expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has played a role in this, since dairy herds, larger herds, farm fragmentation and herds which introduce more cattle are all at higher risk of TB breakdowns. Wildlife is also a factor.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. My Department continues to fund and support substantial research into the epidemiology of TB in Ireland, ensuring our actions are informed by science.
TB levels in 2021 are likely to be lower than in 2020, with fewer reactors and a lower herd incidence in the 12 months to 28th November 2021 than for the corresponding period a year ago. This is a welcome indication that the changes we have introduced as a result of the renewed TB Strategy launched in January 2021, supported by the TB Forum, are starting to yield real results.
