An Garda Síochána has confirmed it is investigating the theft of badger traps, laid by the Department of Agriculture as part of the TB eradication programme, from an area in Co Longford.

Gardaí said the theft occurred from Newcastle Wood, Ballymahon Co Longford on Monday 18 November at approximately 12pm.

The Department confirmed the restraints had been laid to capture badgers for vaccination.

The traps were laid on Monday morning 18 November but on inspection the following morning they were missing and the theft was reported to Gardaí.

Gardaí told the Irish Farmers Journal that investigations are ongoing and there have been no arrests made.

Vaccination

The Department said the capture of badgers for vaccination was a fundamental part of the TB wildlife programme. It said vaccination allows for a reduction in the numbers of badgers being culled while still maintaining effective control of the risk posed to cattle.

It said the culling of badgers is not sustainable long-term given its impact on badger ecology and Ireland’s commitments under the Bern convention, a binding international legal agreement relating to nature conservation.

For this reason, badger vaccination has been incorporated into the TB eradication programme.

Longford

“A large part of Longford has been included in the vaccination trials for many years and cattle TB breakdowns associated with wildlife in the Longford vaccination area have been few and isolated in that time,” a Department spokesperson said.

“Unlike badger culling, badger vaccination can be carried out before a cattle TB outbreak occurs, providing a pro-active way to mitigate the risk to cattle.

“The Department constantly monitors the welfare of badgers captured for vaccination.”

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