Significant fall in instances of TB

TB reactor numbers in cattle have fallen significantly in recent years from 44,000 a year in 2008 and 2009 to approximately 15,000 to 17,000 reactors in the past two to three years, Minister of State Andrew Doyle told the Seanad.

In the same period, he said the herd incidence has reduced from 6% to 3.5%, meaning that thousands more farmers are now not affected by the stresses associated with a tuberculosis breakdown. ‘This is a positive development and we are keen to see this trend continue in support of the farming community,’ he said.

Bovine tuberculosis is a complex disease and it is not possible to attribute the decline in the inci- dence of the disease to any single factor, he said. Nevertheless, the main factors involved appear to be the wildlife control policy, improved testing regimes and access to data and technology such as the animal health computer system.

‘It is important to acknowledge that the major reduction in disease levels is thanks to the co-operation of all stakeholders, in particular farmers, private veterinary practitioners and Department officials,’ he said.

‘We now need to build on the excellent progress that has been made and enhance our efforts further in order to achieve eradication, which we think is an attainable target with all the tools we have at our disposal.’