The issue of supposed TB fraud to media outlets by the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) have been criticised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union.

“Having recently met the UUP, we are frustrated the party has chosen to raise this issue in the media, when steps have been taken to address the issue,” president of the UFU, Ivor Ferguson stated.

A very small minority of unscrupulous people are prepared to commit fraud

“I believe the UUP has missed what farmers consider the main priority for progress in eradicating TB. That is addressing TB in wildlife.”

The UUP leader and agriculture spokesperson Robin Swann, had written a letter to DAERA’s permanent secretary, outlining his suspicions that tag swapping was occurring on farms between TB reactor animals with recently purchased animals.

The suggestion has caused outrage amongst some farmers in Northern Ireland, who believe it casts a blemish on all farmers and not just the few who are potentially involved in the fraud.

Detrimental

“Occasionally, we have cases raised that suggest a very small minority of unscrupulous people are prepared to commit fraud for selfish reasons. This is wholly to the detriment of other farmers,” the UFU president said.

“This is why we have called, for some time, for DAERA to strengthen its counter-fraud measures and allow private veterinary practitioners to be able to DNA-tag TB reactor animals.”

The UFU continued that this would not be possible without wider political support, which would be difficult given the current lack of a government presence in Northern Ireland.

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