The Ulster Unionist Party has called on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to assist farmers to put in place ‘practical bio-security measures’ following increases in TB detection on farms.
Speaking after recent reports of a ‘sharp increase’ in new Bovine TB reactor herds detected across Northern Ireland, the Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson MLA said: “I was alarmed when I heard that 182 new herd incidents of TB had been detected in November last year and that in percentage terms cases have increased by over 18% over last years figures. It is a worrying trend that figures are on the up.
Mrs Dobson questioned the Minister directly regarding these concerns at Stormont this week. “Whilst the Minister recognised the complexities of identifying TB and acknowledged that her Department needed to ‘work harder’ on the issue, she did say that ‘Different people have different ideas about how TB can be dealt with.’
“I am sure that many farmers were happy to hear that the Minister isn’t ruling any of these ideas out, but they would rather hear if she will ever rule anything in!”
“In the short term, DARD must consider measures to help farmers put in place practical solutions to help reduce both herd incidences and the considerable financial burden to both the Northern Ireland economy as a whole and the agri-food industry.
“Measures such as securing field boundaries between herds will considerably reduce the risk of the disease passing between neighbouring herds. Initial costs will be reversed by keeping down TB incidences and the resultant reduction in compensation payments.
Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson Mike Nesbitt MLA commented “The agriculture industry is on the up at the moment and continues to be a significant contributor to our local economy. Given that the highest herd incidences, as high as 10%, have been reported in my constituency which is covered by the Newtownards Divisional Veterinary Office, I am concerned for the potential resulting negative implications to our local economy.
“Left unchecked, the cost to the tax-payer and indeed the agri-food industry, which the UUP have had confirmed will run up to and perhaps beyond £23 Million pounds per year, will therefore continue to rise. The Minister must take action to stem this expensive tide so that funds can be directed to ensure the future of the agri-food industry as a key element in the Northern Ireland economy.”