Researchers from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Imperial College London and the University of Sheffield have questioned whether the Test : Vaccinate : Remove (TVR) study underway in NI will actually reduce bovine TB in the local badger population.
Their conclusions are based on work undertaken in the 1980s and 1990s in England, which showed that removing a small number of badgers from a social group led to increased dispersal of remaining badgers (perturbation). This could result in more cattle becoming infected with the disease.
Prof Rosie Woodroffe, senior research fellow at ZSL, said: “TVR sounds appealing because only infected badgers are killed. Unfortunately, our findings suggest that the planned TVR pilot could alter badger behaviour in ways which risk exacerbating the bovine TB problem, rather than controlling it.”
The scientists also question the accuracy of the Brock Stat-Pak test, the test likely to be used in the TVR study to ascertain whether a trapped badger is actually infected with bovine TB. They suggest that up to half of infected badgers could test negative to the disease.
Concerns
Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for DARD said that conclusions drawn from a study in England might not translate directly to NI.
“That is why it is essential for the TVR research project to proceed to see if perturbation is a factor here following badger removal,” said the spokesperson.
Previous reports from the Republic of Ireland would suggest that perturbation of badgers is not an issue in Ireland.
Despite this, the DARD spokesperson emphasised that they are introducing measures to monitor and mitigate against the effects of perturbation.
For example, all captured badgers will be vaccinated and released this year in an attempt to build up some immunity to the disease.
Also, GPS collars are being placed on a number of badgers to establish a baseline of data on badger movements.
Final hours of rural development spending
Local MEP Diane Dodds has stressed the need for money to be spent appropriately as we move into the closing stages of the current Rural Development Programme.
In a statement, she said that farmers and local grassroots organisations should be ready to apply and avail of such funding.
“For example, SWARD (south west section for rural development) has just opened Measure 3.5: Village Renewal and Development. This measure will stay open until 4pm on 16 June.
“It is important that any areas of underspend across all measures in rural development are identified and reassigned to those measures that have been oversubscribed and deliver benefits for farmers, in particular. NI plc should not find itself in the position where money has to be handed back to Brussels,” urged the DUP MEP.
NICMS payments underway
Payments to 1,444 claimants to the 2013 NI Countryside Management Scheme got underway on 22 May and, by 2 June, a total of 534 applications (36.98%) were paid, DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill has confirmed.
In a written answer to a question from North Antrim MLA Robin Swann, the Minister said that the payments to date were worth a total of £1,672,807.
“We continue to clear cases as quickly as is practical and it is anticipated that 90% of all eligible claims will be processed by 31 July,” she said.
Fri 13 June
Down District Council, local food conference, Market House, Ballynahinch. Details from David TN 44 610856.Dairy cow and suckler cow sale, special entries: Hereford heifers, Angus bulls. Swedish Red & Friesian bulls for Jim Morrison, Inch, Ballymena mart, 11am.Sat 14 June
Armagh show, Gosford Forest Park. Details Bill Leeman TN 07919 123648. Including 125th anniversary show for Hampshire Down sheep.Tues 17 June
AFBI & Agrisearch dairy seminar; greenhouse gas benchmarking, dairy breeding index and genomics. Booking required. Visit the website www.agrisearch.org AFBI, Hillsborough, 10am to 3.30pm. Simmental Cattle Club, junior stockjudging competition and farm walk at the Rodgers Hiltonstown Herd, 13 Race Road, Portglenone, 7pm. Thurs 19 June
Ulster Grassland Society summer visit to Jim and Dean Wright, Brackagh Road, Portadown, 10.30am. Book George TN 07920 037910.Sat 21 June
Lisburn & Saintfield District show, Balmoral Park, Maze. Details from Liz Graham, TN 07821 588 390.
Researchers from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Imperial College London and the University of Sheffield have questioned whether the Test : Vaccinate : Remove (TVR) study underway in NI will actually reduce bovine TB in the local badger population.
Their conclusions are based on work undertaken in the 1980s and 1990s in England, which showed that removing a small number of badgers from a social group led to increased dispersal of remaining badgers (perturbation). This could result in more cattle becoming infected with the disease.
Prof Rosie Woodroffe, senior research fellow at ZSL, said: “TVR sounds appealing because only infected badgers are killed. Unfortunately, our findings suggest that the planned TVR pilot could alter badger behaviour in ways which risk exacerbating the bovine TB problem, rather than controlling it.”
The scientists also question the accuracy of the Brock Stat-Pak test, the test likely to be used in the TVR study to ascertain whether a trapped badger is actually infected with bovine TB. They suggest that up to half of infected badgers could test negative to the disease.
Concerns
Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for DARD said that conclusions drawn from a study in England might not translate directly to NI.
“That is why it is essential for the TVR research project to proceed to see if perturbation is a factor here following badger removal,” said the spokesperson.
Previous reports from the Republic of Ireland would suggest that perturbation of badgers is not an issue in Ireland.
Despite this, the DARD spokesperson emphasised that they are introducing measures to monitor and mitigate against the effects of perturbation.
For example, all captured badgers will be vaccinated and released this year in an attempt to build up some immunity to the disease.
Also, GPS collars are being placed on a number of badgers to establish a baseline of data on badger movements.
Final hours of rural development spending
Local MEP Diane Dodds has stressed the need for money to be spent appropriately as we move into the closing stages of the current Rural Development Programme.
In a statement, she said that farmers and local grassroots organisations should be ready to apply and avail of such funding.
“For example, SWARD (south west section for rural development) has just opened Measure 3.5: Village Renewal and Development. This measure will stay open until 4pm on 16 June.
“It is important that any areas of underspend across all measures in rural development are identified and reassigned to those measures that have been oversubscribed and deliver benefits for farmers, in particular. NI plc should not find itself in the position where money has to be handed back to Brussels,” urged the DUP MEP.
NICMS payments underway
Payments to 1,444 claimants to the 2013 NI Countryside Management Scheme got underway on 22 May and, by 2 June, a total of 534 applications (36.98%) were paid, DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill has confirmed.
In a written answer to a question from North Antrim MLA Robin Swann, the Minister said that the payments to date were worth a total of £1,672,807.
“We continue to clear cases as quickly as is practical and it is anticipated that 90% of all eligible claims will be processed by 31 July,” she said.
Fri 13 June
Down District Council, local food conference, Market House, Ballynahinch. Details from David TN 44 610856.Dairy cow and suckler cow sale, special entries: Hereford heifers, Angus bulls. Swedish Red & Friesian bulls for Jim Morrison, Inch, Ballymena mart, 11am.Sat 14 June
Armagh show, Gosford Forest Park. Details Bill Leeman TN 07919 123648. Including 125th anniversary show for Hampshire Down sheep.Tues 17 June
AFBI & Agrisearch dairy seminar; greenhouse gas benchmarking, dairy breeding index and genomics. Booking required. Visit the website www.agrisearch.org AFBI, Hillsborough, 10am to 3.30pm. Simmental Cattle Club, junior stockjudging competition and farm walk at the Rodgers Hiltonstown Herd, 13 Race Road, Portglenone, 7pm. Thurs 19 June
Ulster Grassland Society summer visit to Jim and Dean Wright, Brackagh Road, Portadown, 10.30am. Book George TN 07920 037910.Sat 21 June
Lisburn & Saintfield District show, Balmoral Park, Maze. Details from Liz Graham, TN 07821 588 390. 
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