The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is calling for the introduction of an accelerated bovine tuberculosis (bTB) eradication campaign in Northern Ireland.
And the new initiative must contain some form of wildlife intervention.
The matter was highlighted at a press conference hosted by the union’s office bearer team prior to the commencement of the organisation’s series of 2026 presidential road shows.
A recent agreement reached between the departments of agriculture in Belfast and Dublin will allow for a cross-border bTB trail in the Tyrone/Donegal area.
It is envisaged that an investigation of the tuberculosis levels in the region’s badger population will be included within the work undertaken.
But this is only kicking the can down the road,” stressed UFU president William Irvine.
“It could take up to five years for this work to be completed. Meanwhile, the job of introducing real and meaningful measures that could see bTB levels significantly reduced across Northern Ireland is put on hold.
“What we know now is that Northern Ireland’s farm minister, Andrew Muir, will not be taking any decisive steps when it comes to getting to grips with bTB during his term of his office.”
Irvine noted that previous bTB trials carried out in Co. Down “have confirmed the fact that wildlife populations constitute significant sources of bTB infection”.
“Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s ongoing bTB eradication campaign is costing the public purse £60 million on an annual basis,” he said.
Healthy wildlife and cattle
The UFU’s policy on the matter is centred on the principle that rural areas should be home to healthy wildlife and cattle populations living in harmony with each other.
UFU deputy president, John McLenaghan commented: “Bovine tuberculosis is the overarching issue that impacts on every aspect of farming in Northern Ireland.
“The disease has been eradicated in other parts of the world, using the current skin test. But it is worthy of note that wildlife interventions were required to make this happen.
“So, it’s important that similar steps are taken here in Northern Ireland.”
According to McLenaghan, a comprehensive bTB eradication programme is a an animal welfare issue.
“Previously, the union had agreed that farmers would pay for the cost of a wildlife intervention,” he said.
“But at its heart, this is very much an animal welfare issue across the board.
“Allowing badgers, for example, to die with tuberculosis makes no sense at all.
“So, it’s important that we come up with a comprehensive bTB eradication programme that meets all needs.
“And the sooner this is implemented the better.”
