FFA welcomes moves on bTB strategy

FFA’s Steering Committee had written to Minister Poots on 30th March 2021 requesting a date when a cull of infected badgers would begin in Northern Ireland.

They said time has run out with all the pressures now on family farmers involved and in addition the spread of bTB into NI deer.

Sean McAuley stated that whilst FFA were pursuing a date due to understandable pressure from members and supporters, they welcomed the fact that Minister Poots had ‘responded very positively’ on April 16th.

“Many farming families (knowing that Edwin Poots himself is a farmer) will put a lot of faith in what he has written especially when that includes ‘I intend to announce this shortly’,” he added.

In his letter Mr Poots said he eradication of bTB remains a top priority for both him and his Department.

“I am fully aware of the devastating emotional and financial impact a bTB breakdown can have on farming families,” he added.

“The proposed bTB Eradication Strategy for Northern Ireland will aim to reduce, and eventually eradicate, bTB levels by comprehensively addressing all the recognised key factors in the spread of the disease. It will include recommendations covering six key areas, ranging from herd health management and research to those more complex issues, such as wildlife intervention.

“My officials have completed a business case to support the implementation of the Strategy and this will be followed by the provision of final advice in the coming weeks. This will assist me to take decisions on next steps that will address all the key factors in the control and eradication of the disease. I intend to announce this shortly,” added Mr Poots.

“It should be noted that new legislation and further consultation will be required and stakeholder organisations will have the opportunity to express their views. I would strongly encourage the participation of Farmers For Action in that process. Following this it is my intention to launch key operational elements of the new programme as soon as practically possible.

“With regard to the spread of TB to deer, I can advise that my Department is currently funding a project that is investigating the role of deer in the spread of bTB in Northern Ireland. This project will yield important data on the distribution, relative abundance, baseline prevalence, and potential risk of deer in bTB epidemiology in Northern Ireland. Its findings will allow officials to make informed decisions around the management of the pathogen in deer and will provide evidence-based advice for further programme development.

“While deer are known to have become infected with bTB, previous studies have indicated low levels of infection within the overall population. It is thought that deer may have been implicated in some way in around 8% of all cattle herd breakdowns. Therefore, although the risk is low compared to other causes of infection such as local spread or purchased animals, it is still never the less important that the role of deer in the spread of this disease is fully understood.

“I can assure you that I am fully committed to a new bTB eradication Strategy and it is my firm intention to see its launch in the very near future,” Mr Poots concluded.