Views sought on wildlife options to tackle bovine TB in NI
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir has today (Friday, July 3) launched a public consultation on 'wildlife intervention options' to tackle bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), these options focus on various actions that seek to address the spread of TB in badgers.
The options include non-selective culling, selective culling through a test and vaccinate or remove (TVR) approach and vaccination only.
The consultation sets out the scientific evidence, delivery considerations and animal welfare implications associated with different approaches.
Views are also being sought on capture methods, along with how any measures should be delivered and funded.
Bovine TB
Minister Muir said that bovine TB "remains one of the most significant animal health challenges facing Northern Ireland".
"It continues to have a devastating impact on farmers, their families and rural communities. It also places unsustainable costs on both industry and government," he said.
Wildlife consultation was a key objective from the stakeholder-led TB Partnership Steering Group, chaired by DAERA.
"The blueprint to eradicate bTB sets out three key pillars on which action is required to tackle this problem; cattle, people and wildlife.
"I recognise that a wildlife intervention is a complex and sensitive issue, and one on which there are strongly held and differing views.
"This consultation is intended to gather views on a range of possible wildlife intervention approaches, and I want to be clear that no preferred option is being proposed at this stage.
"As I have previously stated, any decision I take on wildlife intervention will be science-led and evidence-based.
"The views received through this consultation process will play an important role in informing my decision," the minister added.
Badgers
The consultation will also seek views on the potential introduction of lay vaccination of badgers against bovine TB.
Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer, has welcomed the launch of the public consultation.
"Bovine tuberculosis remains a complex problem. Addressing the disease effectively requires a comprehensive and evidence-based approach.
"This consultation provides an important opportunity to consider the available scientific evidence on wildlife intervention options and to reflect on their potential role, alongside other measures, in progressing towards eradication," he said.
The consultation, available on the DAERA website, is open for 12 weeks and closes at 5:00p.m on Friday, September 25.
