The first-hand experience of TB in Shay Monaghan’s herd (pages 18, 19) makes for harrowing reading. Having been free of TB for 40 years, the herd of 70 cows and followers has been decimated over the last 10 months.

Consecutive skin and blood tests left just 13 cows on the farm before the decision was made to depopulate these, along with 13 heifers and 40 calves. The last of the cows left three weeks ago.

Much has been spoken and written about TB and the efforts to eradicate it. The human story has often been missing from the debate, until now.

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In the piece, Shay outlines four requests to the Department, only one of which involves greater financial assistance.

First, that a mentoring process be established between farmers with a new breakdown and those that have been through it before. If the Department of Agriculture doesn’t take up this suggestion, then it’s surely one for the farm organisations to explore.

I know the IFA and others offer support and assistance, but a mentoring programme is a novel idea and has merit.

Secondly, to have one point of contact in the DVO makes total sense. Such a role, let’s call it a farmer liaison officer, would be the only point of contact the farmer will have after a TB outbreak, informing them of the next steps and handling the case file until the farm goes TB-free again. These aren’t necessarily new positions, but a reorganisation of existing roles within the Department.

Shay’s third request is around transparency regarding test results. If a man or woman is sick, they get access to test results as a matter of right. However, where a farm goes down with TB, the farmer often has to fight to get the results of tissue tests on lesions and results from badger testing. It’s an example of how the process can sideline herd owners.

Finally, it’s three-and-a-half years since the compensation thresholds for animals was increased and over that time the price of animals, particularly factory fit animals and dairy cows, has increased dramatically. Our thanks to the Monaghan family for sharing their story.