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Improved wildlife control measures and more detailed investigations into farm breakdowns are understood to be included in a new bovine tuberculosis eradication strategy agreed between agricultural organizations and the Department of Agriculture.
Agriculture, Food and Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue said the agreement marks an important step in building our collective efforts to reduce tuberculosis levels for the benefit of Irish farmers.
It occurs when the rate of deterioration has accelerated in 2020. Herd incidence, 4.35%, is now at its highest level since 2012, while the number of reactors at 22,700 has returned to 2009 rates Compared to 2019, an additional 13 herds per week experienced a TB restriction in 2020.
“This clearly highlights the urgency with which we must act. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to reduce TB rates to support and protect farm families and I hope that all stakeholders are positively involved in implementing this. new strategy for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis, “said the Minister.
The new strategy is understood to contain improved wildlife control measures, more detailed investigations into farm breakdowns, as well as an action plan for TB points, plus biosecurity advice for purchasing livestock and incentivized removal of inconclusive items.
Meanwhile, IFA Animal Health President Pat Farrell said that key areas included in the strategy that were highlighted by IFA include; meaningful participation of farmers; recognition of the labor and financial contribution of farmers; reviewing the pack’s hazard charts; herd categorization and pre-movement testing and recognition of the importance of financial support for farmers whose farms are under tuberculosis control.
IFA President Tim Cullinan said the new strategy better reflects the role of farmers in the program and provides for their meaningful involvement in the design and implementation of the goals.
“Farmers will be the only stakeholders directly affected by the tuberculosis program in the day-to-day management of their farms. Using their experience to determine the most appropriate means to implement the objectives of the strategy is essential to minimize the impact on farms, ”he said.
The IFA president said that the inclusion of financial support to farmers in the program as a key principle, and recognition of the need for a review of this support to ensure that farmers are treated fairly, is important.
Pat Farrell said the strategy also envisions that the contentious issues of pre-movement testing and herd categorization be addressed through the Implementation Group.
“It is important that the Implementation and Finance Working Groups are convened as soon as possible to agree on all aspects of the program,” he said.
“We must strive to eradicate tuberculosis from the national herd in the shortest possible time. In doing so, we must be mindful of the impact on farm families who encounter TB outbreaks through no fault of their own. The measures must be proportionate and have a scientific basis, with adequate levels of financial support ”.
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