Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Brian Dooher has said that the current trajectory is “unsustainable”, following the publication of Northern Ireland’s bovine tuberculosis (TB) strategy.
The veterinary officer revealed the review today (Thursday, November 28), including nearly 40 proposals to help eradicate the disease.
The review sets out the Northern Ireland context as it seeks to address the current high levels of TB incidence and takes account of progress towards the actions contained within the 2022 eradication strategy.
The Northern Ireland agricultural census for 2023 reported a total of 20,341 cattle farms containing 1,673,345 cattle.
Of these cattle farms, 3,150 were dairy farms containing 319,346 dairy cows along with 13,810 beef farms containing 236,082 beef cows.
As of October 31, 2024, animal and herd incidence rate was 1.158% and 10.41% respectively,
with significant increases having been seen over the past five years in particular.
Recommendations
Dooher set out recommendations in the review which would overcome some of the challenges facing the industry.
He said that whilst it is right that government takes the lead in setting the strategic direction for bTB control alongside the regulatory and economic framework for disease eradication, many individuals and groups play a direct role in the control of bTB.
Recommendations were made for a partnership working model is established between government (including public health), farming and processing (beef/dairy) sectors, the veterinary profession, wildlife groups, and other stakeholders.
From this, it is proposed that DAERA work to develop a new bTB (eradication) partnership, which will promote shared ownership, responsibility, coordination and direction setting.
The members would work collaboratively with the following objectives:
- Setting direction and goals;
- Co-designing policies;
- Establishing standards and monitoring progress;
- Identifying priorities and areas for further research;
- Developing an effective communications strategy.
Dooher also said that the Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP) should have more of an “inclusive” role within the programme.
This would include the management of TB breakdowns given their local knowledge, epidemiological training and position within the local farming community.
A proposal has been said that the PVP and DAERA staff training includes enhanced awareness about, and the need for compliance with proper cold storage of tuberculin.
This is the antigen that is injected intradermally as part of the skin test that then elicits a delayed immune response in bTB infected animals.
“The urgency with which this now must be addressed is a direct response to the significant deterioration in the national bTB situation in Northern Ireland, with a concurrent increase in expenditure.
“These proposals are, I hope, the start of a new journey on our path to control and eradicate this disease from NI,” Dooher said.
In the 2023/24 financial year, total departmental TB programme expenditure was £55.7 million, a rise of 39% since 2020/21.
The rise in compensation costs was the most substantial contributor to programme costs/expenditure at £36.5m for 2023/24.
TB strategy
The TB strategy has been welcomed by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir, who will now consider the review with his department.
“Collaboration and partnership working is key to help turn the situation around, it is of fundamental importance that industry, stakeholders and government work closer together.
“The status quo is not an option, change over short, medium and long term is essential.
“The mental health impact upon farmers is of deep personal concern to me and the significant financial burden upon both the industry and borne by government cannot continue,” Minister Muir said.
The agriculture minister is seeking for the establishment of a new industry or government partnership body to produce a delivery plan following the review. The minister has indicated his commitment for this body to commence work by January 2025.
