Claire Kerrane
Ceist:128. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farms restricted due to TB in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51201/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 22 November 2023
Ceisteanna (128)
Freagraí scríofa
Bovine tuberculosis is a challenging disease to control and eradicate.
As of the 12th November 2023, on a 12-month rolling basis, herd incidence for Co. Clare has increased slightly to 3.33% compared to 2.65% at same time last year. In the past 12 months 190 Herds in county Clare were TB restricted, compared to 153 in the previous 12-month period, an increase of 37.
As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, residual and introduced infection, how disease is distributed in the area, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors.
Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a herdowner can take to reduce risks on their farm, and when buying in animals.
Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme operates in line with best national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of TB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principal causes of TB introduction and spread include:
• movement of cattle with undetected infection.
• residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB.
• spread across farm boundaries.
• indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or
• spread from infected badgers to cattle.
• This research has recently been reviewed in its entirety for the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum by its Scientific Working Group, which comprises a panel of internationally recognised experts in TB research.
• The details of the new TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie.