There has been a substantial increase in the number of cattle herds which have suffered a breakdown of tuberculosis (TB) in the past year primarily because of the expansion of dairy farming and intensification.
A senior veterinary inspector with the Department of Agriculture has told an Oireachtas committee that 5,906 herds suffered a TB breakdown in the last 12 months, compared to 4,914 in the same period last year. A TB breakdown is when a herd loses its officially TB free (OTF) status due to the illness being suspected or confirmed.
In his opening statement to the all-party committee on agriculture, Damien Barrett also said that costs of running the TB eradication programme had increased significantly, from €57 million in 2023 to €74 million as of the end of last month, excluding staff costs. He added that the overall costs were on track to increase further in 2025.
Mr Barrett that data analysis suggested the underlying reasons for the increased incidence were “the expansion of the dairy herd and the resulting increased levels of intensive cattle farming and the increased movement of cattle”.
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“These conditions are associated with heightened susceptibility to disease, whether that is TB or any other infectious disease.”
He said the TB programme had now become a large logistical operation reliant on the co-operation of farmers, private vets and departmental officials. For the eradication programme to succeed, he said, difficult choices were now required, including voluntary or mandatory informed purchasing of cattle. Another would be a restrictions on movements from high to low TB areas.
“None of these options are easy for anyone,” said Mr Barrett. “From the department’s point of view we acknowledge the legitimate concerns of those whose businesses and lives are affected by this disease. Equally, we have an obligation to use the best scientific evidence to reduce the risk of infection.”
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