Wicklow farmers fear high levels of TB reactors as a number of previously clear herds have tested positive recently. Patrick Nutall from Roundwood had 12 reactors last week, despite having a clear test last September.

The county is still a blackspot for the disease. West Wicklow had the highest herd incidence of TB in 2016 at 13%, followed by east Wicklow at 7%.

It is widely accepted among farmers in the county that there is a correlation between the presence of TB in wild deer and cattle.

The Department of Agriculture has a target of total TB eradication by 2030, which the IFA says is very much in doubt based on the lack of progress in the last three years.

The numbers of reactors have held at 15,000 to 16,000 and figures to date in 2017 remain at similar levels, according to IFA animal health chair Bert Stewart.

He said the TB programme costs farmers over €30m annually in testing costs and disease levies alone before trade restrictions and animal loss are factored in.

Meanwhile, figures obtained by the Irish Farmers Journal show that the Department of Agriculture’s 2017 budget for the TB eradication programme is €63.6m; €26m of that is designated as Department salaries but just €14m is allocated as compensation to farmers for income loss and animal valuations.

The 2018 budget stands at €63.8m. The increase mainly comes from a higher DAFM salary figure.

Border counties

The number of TB reactors in Northern Ireland is currently at a 12-year high. This likely coincides with the increase in the number of reactors per thousand animals tested in border counties such as Monaghan (3.39) and Cavan(3.91).

Just across the border there has been a notable increase in the number of reactors in 2017 so far across the District Veterinary Offices.

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