Spending on TB eradication in the planned new programme must not increase from current levels, the Department of Agriculture has said.

It stated this in the terms of reference for the stakeholder review of the TB eradication programme which gets under way in a fortnight.

This is ringing alarm bells in the IFA. The association warns that current spending is already insufficient to compensate farmers for restrictions following an outbreak.

Shortfall

This shortfall could worsen if the Department introduces tougher, more costly restrictions in the new programme due to start in 2019, IFA animal health chair Pat Farrell said.

The Department has indicated in published reports that as TB levels progressively decline, the controls on infected herds and animals will have to become increasingly rigorous.

Pat Farrell has warned that if further restrictions are announced, then additional funding must be found to provide adequate compensation.

Monaghan issue

Meanwhile, the Department is continuing to analyse the recent outbreaks of TB in Co Monaghan to identify the causes.

The IFA has questioned the effectiveness of vaccinating badgers against TB, following the increase in disease levels in cattle herds in the county.

The issue was discussed at a meeting between local Department officials and IFA representatives on Wednesday.

According to Farrell, the Department said that the causes were multi-factorial, that cross-infection from wildlife was a driver and that it was increasing activity in its wildlife programme in the county.