Ireland's Struggle with Bovine TB: A Persistent Challenge
Source: dairynews.today
Despite significant expenditures equalling the cost of the national children's hospital, Ireland is struggling to eradicate bovine TB, endangering export markets and farm viability.
The chairman of Lakeland Dairies has lamented that Ireland appears "further away than ever" from eradicating the "national scourge" of bovine TB, a disease jeopardizing export viability. The ongoing battle against this ailment is crucial for securing access to both European and global markets, ultimately safeguarding farm incomes.
An aspirational 2030 eradication date has been set, but with immense costs already incurred, equivalent to the price of a national children's hospital, progress remains elusive. In a letter to Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, Niall Matthews warned of deteriorating circumstances faced by the 3,200 farming families associated with their cooperative, highlighting a trend of increasing TB incidence rates.
"The emotional and financial turmoil associated with a TB breakdown in a farmer’s herd is incredible," he stated. Historical data shows bovine TB rates were at their lowest in 2016 but have been climbing since. Mr. Heydon acknowledged in the Dáil the worsening levels, with compensation costs to farmers reaching €20 million in just the first four months of this year.
The Programme for Government includes a review and update of the National TB 2030 Eradication Strategy in collaboration with farmers, aiming to address this dire situation effectively.
An aspirational 2030 eradication date has been set, but with immense costs already incurred, equivalent to the price of a national children's hospital, progress remains elusive. In a letter to Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, Niall Matthews warned of deteriorating circumstances faced by the 3,200 farming families associated with their cooperative, highlighting a trend of increasing TB incidence rates.
"The emotional and financial turmoil associated with a TB breakdown in a farmer’s herd is incredible," he stated. Historical data shows bovine TB rates were at their lowest in 2016 but have been climbing since. Mr. Heydon acknowledged in the Dáil the worsening levels, with compensation costs to farmers reaching €20 million in just the first four months of this year.
The Programme for Government includes a review and update of the National TB 2030 Eradication Strategy in collaboration with farmers, aiming to address this dire situation effectively.
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