Byrne: Bovine Tuberculosis must be tackled ‘once and for all’

SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Joe Byrne has urged the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle O’Neill to implement recommendations made in the Department’s review on Bovine Tuberculosis.

Mon 26th November

Mr Byrne who is Vice Chair of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development was speaking ahead of a motion coming before the assembly on Monday. He said:

“I urged the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (“DARD”) as far back as June of the need to tackle the longstanding, dangerous animal disease, Bovine Tuberculosis.

“Bovine Tuberculosis, is a highly infectious, distressing disease of cattle and one of the biggest challenges facing the cattle farming industry today. It is essential that the Minister bring forward a timetable for implementing the recommendations contained in the Department’s report on Bovine Tuberculosis.

“Much time and money has been spent to date by various departments and agencies both here and further afield. These ever increasing costs have only managed to contain the disease, with a reported £300 million being spent here over 15 years, which has not been explicitly aimed at the eradication of Bovine Tuberculosis, but rather at containment.

“Mere containment of the disease is simply not good enough. It is crucial that Northern Ireland aspires to a disease free status in order that our 80% exports of beef are not impaired or affects the premium price we should try to maintain in our export’s market.

“Through the Committee’s enquiry into Bovine Tuberculosis many submissions, both written and oral were submitted which focused on the pressing need to eradicate the disease in our animals.

“Whilst the Committee welcomed the recent announcement by the Minister that a Wildlife research programme is being developed, the Committee has yet to see the detail around this. Enough time, effort and money has been spent on Bovine Tuberculosis – we need to see firm actions now to protect cattle and the livelihood of the farmer.

“A concerted effort is now required to tackle the problem of Bovine Tuberculosis once and for all. I urge the Department to take forward the recommendations in the report immediately in order to protect our animals.”