AQW 347/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 23/05/2022
Answered On Date: 06/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he intends to introduce further proposals to the existing Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Strategy for Northern Ireland, such as the testing of non-bovine animals.

Answer:

The new Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) Eradication Strategy for Northern Ireland contains 21 actions across six thematic areas, including proposed new subordinate legislation to broaden my Department’s powers to test for bTB in non-bovine animals. Currently, powers to test non-bovine animals are limited to farm holdings where cattle are also present. The new Strategy details my intention to proceed with legislation which will enable testing, where deemed necessary, to take place on farms where no cattle are present.

With respect to further proposals above what I only recently announced in March 2022, there are currently no plans to add further actions to the new Strategy. However, my officials, along with the TB Eradication Partnership, will continue to develop policy in our efforts to achieve bTB eradication, work with our stakeholders and monitor developments in neighbouring jurisdictions and, should additional measures be identified that would improve the control and eradication of this costly disease, I will consider updating the Strategy accordingly.