Bovine Tuberculosis Debate in NI Assembly on 27th April

High levels of bTB highlighted at Stormont

High levels of animal disease – in particular Bovine Tuberculosis – came under scrutiny at an Assembly Debate on Monday 27th April:

Motion: Bovine Tuberculosis

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises that high levels of animal disease, including bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), undermine environmental sustainability by increasing resource use per unit of food produced and contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions; notes figures from the Public Health Agency, as reported in the Irish Farmers Journal, indicating that 86 human TB cases were notified in 2024, an increase on previous years; acknowledges the implications of bTB for public health, farmers mental health and wellbeing, and animal welfare; further acknowledges that the financial cost of bTB is substantial, with estimates exceeding £60 million per year, placing pressure on the agricultural sector and public finances; further notes the potential wider economic impacts on agri-food supply chains, rural employment, domestic food security, and the competitiveness of agri-food exports; acknowledges the publication of the TB Partnership Group’s Blueprint to Eradicate bTB; welcomes the allocation of additional funding to tackle bTB through the Shared Island Initiative launched last year; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to take immediate action to eradicate bTB, including the implementation of wildlife intervention, without further delay.