A number of euthanised wild goats from the Burren Aillwee mountain were examined for the presence of TB post mortem in the winter of 2016/17. 16 goats were examined, all of which were negative for Bovine TB.
There is no statutory surveillance programme for TB in goats. However, TB in goats is a notifiable disease under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and the Notification and Control of Diseases Affecting Terrestrial Animals (no.2) Regulations 2016.
Wild goats are not a protected species and farmers can choose to control them if they encroach on their land. Arising from concerns expressed by local stakeholders my Department has offered to carry out a general health screen on a sample of wild goats, including TB testing in the Burren area. This is being considered by local farmers and may be acted upon outside of the kid season.