Following a meeting between IFA and Department of Agriculture officials in Portlaoise on Friday, Ben Stewart, IFA Animal Health Chairman said that the high levels of TB in wild deer that have been confirmed following a recent study requires immediate and targeted action by the Department of Agriculture.

The study was sought by the IFA and carried out by the Department of Agriculture over the past four months.

Results show that levels of TB in wild deer are at 16%.

“Farmers have long argued that the control of the deer population is an important element in the eradication of the TB disease," said Stewart.

"The evidence from this study shows the level of TB in deer is a significantly higher multiple than in cattle and justifies the implementation of a programme similar to the existing Wildlife Control programme.”

The IFA Animal Health Chairman added that any action taken to counteract this threat must have the full co-operation of Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service if it is to be effective.

In a statement responding to the findings, Coillte said it is working closely with the Department of Agriculture, the statutory body with control of TB eradication, on the issue of TB levels in wild deer.

"Coillte recognise that TB in wild deer presents a challenge that requires a concerted effort from all parties and through membership of the Irish Deer Management Forum and in the Wicklow Deer Management Partnership, Coillte will continue to engage with its stakeholders in an effort to find and implement a workable solution to address the issue," the statement said.