The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has been urged to do more to stamp out Bovine TB.

The message came from the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee which was briefed by Departmental officials at a recent meeting which updated them on progress made towards implementing recommendations stemming from the Committee’s 2012 report into Bovine TB.

The Committee’s Chairman, Paul Frew, said: “While the Committee welcomes the announcement that new herd breakouts have decreased by 12.7% this year, we remain concerned that more must be done to sustain this reduction and to eradicate Bovine TB completely.

“Back in September 2013, the Minister told us of her intention to establish a cross government/industry Strategic Partnership Group to produce a longer-term strategy and action plan to eradicate Bovine TB. However, we learn that almost nine months later no progress has been made in relation to this plan.

Mr. Frew concluded: “The Committee accepts that there can be no one stop shop to finding a solution to this issue and that many factors contribute to the existence and spread of the disease. However, farmers, their families and rural communities are continuing to suffer personal and financial stresses due to herd breakdowns. The Minister and her Department must do all that they can, as quickly as they can, to prioritise and action a cohesive and feasible approach towards tackling this very serious issue once and for all.”