Speaking after the discussions in Greenmount, UFU Deputy President Graham Furey said that while important practical issues had been discussed, the Union still held the view that until Government addresses the issue of the reserve of TB in wildlife, then the problem will not be resolved effectively in Northern Ireland.

Graham Furey said; “We have held lengthy and detailed discussions with DARD about the TB problem which is having a serious effect on thousands of farm businesses across Northern Ireland. We have urged DARD to simplify the administration process around TB. Currently there is often confusion in the communication between private vets, DARD and the farmer. There is also too much paperwork involved and we have discussed ways in which the entire process can be simplified. We have also reviewed the process if a reactor is detected, to ensure valuations are carried out efficiently and animals are removed from the farm as quickly as possible. Bio-security measures were also reviewed”.

However the UFU re-iterated that the reservoir of TB in wildlife remains a key issue which must be addressed if the TB problem is to be properly dealt with.

Graham Furey said; “We want to see TB eradicated from the local cattle herd, but this simply will not happen if TB remains prevalent in wildlife. Government currently has a flawed approach where farm animals are slaughtered but wild animals with TB are left untouched. Too often we see TB affected farms being re-stocked and suffering further breakdowns because TB is still present in wildlife. This has to be addressed”.

March 2007