Cattle farmers across NI have been urged to complete an online survey which seeks to assess the wider implications of an outbreak of bovine TB.

The survey is part of a study being led by consultants at the Leicestershire-based Andersons Centre, on behalf of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, Dairy Council for NI and Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC).

The aim of the work is to build a clearer picture of the economic, environmental and farmer wellbeing costs incurred as a result of TB.

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It is hoped that the results “will provide robust evidence to inform future policy discussions and support services for affected farmers”.

Indirect

The survey goes beyond the direct costs normally associated with TB to consider indirect costs such as how many hours are required to gather up cattle for a test and the lost milk yield or liveweight gain associated with testing.

There are also questions about injuries incurred by animals and farmers/vets when TB testing and about the strain that TB puts on the overall wellbeing of farmers.

The survey concludes by asking respondents for their views on how TB levels might be reduced in NI.

Launching the survey, Michael Haverty from Andersons said it was vital as many farmers as possible answer the questions, to ensure the study properly reflects the reality of TB on farms.

The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/XB23FZC. It takes around 20 minutes to complete.