The report is being compiled by the TB Strategic Partnership Group (TBSPG), which comprises five independent members appointed by Minister O’Neill to develop a strategy for the reduction and eradication of TB in cattle in NI.

Today, Minister O’Neill said the TBSPG is seeking independent analysis from external consultants on possible options and recommendations.

The minister said the consultancy will need to be advertised at European level and will involve specified time periods, which are standard for a procurement process of this sort.

The consultants appointed will be unlikely to complete their work before late May 2016

“This will mean that the consultants appointed will be unlikely to complete their work before late May 2016,” she added.

TBSPG chair Sean Hogan has told Minister O’Neill that the report is unlikely to be finalised before June 2016. A further update is to be provided to the minister in April.

Last November, Minister O’Neill extended the original deadline for the report of 31 January 2016 at the request of Hogan. The group published an interim report on TB eradication in June 2015.

Bovine TB on an upward curve in NI

Extension given for TB eradication report in Northern Ireland

The deadline for the TB eradication strategy and implementation action plan in NI has been extended, Minister for Agriculture Michelle O’Neill has said today.