The Department of Agriculture’s request for information on the location of badger setts is a positive move in eradicating bovine TB, the IFA has said.

Badgers were the main driver of TB in Ireland, IFA animal health chair Pat Farrell said, adding that a detailed survey of all setts in the country would allow for an effective wildlife control programme.

Farrell urged all farmers to ensure all setts on their lands were notified to the local Department office through numbers that will be provided in a Department text message that is due to be issued shortly.

Eradication

“Farmers will not be found wanting in supporting the Department in ensuring all setts are mapped, but this alone will not eradicate TB. The Department must have the resources in place to carry out efficient captures of all of these setts,” he said.

Farrell stressed that effectively addressing the TB issue in wildlife was vital to reduce the levels in cattle.

The programme needed to include proactively reducing densities of susceptible wildlife in advance of major infrastructural works to stop the spread of TB.

In addition, the ever-increasing deer population had to be brought under control.

Supports

He identified an enhanced and effective wildlife control programme as a key component of the TB programme.

There was still a need for additional work in on-farm investigations and financial supports for farmers locked-up by TB restrictions, he said.

The IFA is awaiting the draft TB strategy that the Department has promised to issue to members of the TB forum. This will allow for direct discussions to begin with the Department on the future of the TB programme.

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