Sharp increase in TB

Highest monthly reactor figure for six years

During November 2011 there were 182 new TB reactor herds detected across NI, the highest monthly figure for nearly six years. The total number of TB reactors in 2011 to the end of November was 6,962, an 18.5% increase in cases of TB over the same period in 2010.

While the number of TB cases in 2011 is still well below the peaks seen in 2003 and 2004, this rise in 2011 comes after a period of a gradual decline in monthly numbers from July 2009 and through 2010.

A DARD spokesman said: ''At this stage we are not in a position to judge whether the November increase represents anything other than an aberration, but the position will be monitored closely.''

The highest TB herd prevalence is in the area covered by the Newtownards Divisional Veterinary Office (DVO), where nearly 10% of herds have had a TB reactor in the last 12 months.

However, a significant increase has also been seen in the area covered by Omagh DVO.

In total, 11.5% of herds tested in this area in November 2011 had a TB reactor, compared with 10.5% in the Newtownards area and an average across NI of 7.9%.

The DARD figures also highlight the low level of accuracy and reliability of the TB skin test. During 2010, 6,404 TB reactors were removed from farms, but only 2,828 (44%) of these were confirmed as having TB, either through visible lesions at slaughter or laboratory analysis.

A DARD spokesperson commented: ''DARD has a rigorous EU Commission approved programme for TB eradication in place with the aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate TB in cattle here.'' That programme now includes a decision by Minister Michelle O'Neill to cap compensation payments for TB reactors, something that has been opposed by farming organisations.

Pressure is also mounting on the Department to take a more proactive approach to tackling the problem of TB in wildlife after the Ulster Farmers Union withdrew from the core TB stakeholder group last month.

Farming representatives point to the decision by ministers in England to proceed with a pilot cull of badgers. Culls are set to begin later this year in west Gloucestershire and west Somerset. If successful, a further 10 cull areas could be sanctioned each year in England from 2013.

Brucellosis

The rate of brucellosis reactors is now at a very low level. The outbreak in the Keady area in 2010 resulted in an increase in the number of reactor herds, which followed through into 2011. DARD figures show that to the end of November 2011, there were 247 brucellosis reactors in NI. Of these, 224 were in the area covered by Armagh DVO.

However, they have had no cases since July 2011.

A DARD spokesperson said: ''The last confirmed brucellosis breakdown in NI occurred on 14 July 2011.'' The spokesperson also confirmed that three years must elapse from the last confirmed brucellosis breakdown before DARD can apply to the EU Commission for NI to obtain Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) status.

''Achieving OBF status will benefit all cattle farmers here through the progressive relaxation of annual and pre-movement testing, which represents an annual £7 million compliance cost on farmers,'' said the spokesperson.

To the end of November 2011, DARD figures indicate that of a total of 173,340 pre-movement and 1,156 post-movement tests, only one animal has been detected as being positive for brucellosis.