Press release
Minister McConalogue acknowledges progress of TB Stakeholder Forum
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum held its 15th meeting on Tuesday 18 October 2022 at Backweston Campus with the progress being made in reducing incidence rates being outlined.
Reflecting on the Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum’s successful collaboration Minister McConalogue said:
“I am acutely aware of the financial and emotional pain associated with a TB breakdown. I am committed to further driving down TB rates. The collaborative model of the Forum is making real and impactful progress; herd incidence is reducing this year, and farmers, vets, scientists, my department and all other stakeholders, continue to have vital roles to play. The journey ahead is challenging, but collaboration like this makes it possible to travel this journey successfully together."
Speaking on the implementation of the strategy he launched in January 2021, the Minister said:
“The Forum’s recommendations have been key to the development of policies that can help to reduce and ultimately eradicate TB. Some of the Forum recommendations are already being implemented, such as the change in policy regarding inconclusive animals, additional support for wildlife control and badger vaccination. These are helping to reduce herd incidence levels. At the end of 2021 herd incidence was 4.33%, and at the end of Q3 2022 herd incidence has reduced to 4.12%. I would urge the Forum to continue its ambitious drive towards TB eradication in the coming years.
“I am also pleased to announce the forming of a new Deer Management Strategy Group, in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to be chaired by Teddy Cashman."
Emphasising the importance of building on progress to date, the Minister urged stakeholders to continue developing measures which can help to eradicate TB.