The IFA has strongly criticised the Department of Agriculture for stating that deer infected with TB do not impact on the spread of disease on farms.

IFA animal health chair Pat Farrell firmly stated that deer were a key contributor to the spread of the TB and pointed to the Department’s own research which found that over 16% of deer culled in Co Wicklow were infected with the disease.

Farrell insisted that a controlled approach needed to be taken to badger and deer numbers.

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“If the Department is serious about eradicating TB by 2030, a proactive approach to addressing wildlife will be essential,” Farrell said.

Wicklow and Wexford both have high levels of TB, with 146 herds collectively restricted due to positive TB tests since the beginning of this year.

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