The Chairman of the special group set up to review how Tuberculosis in cattle is handled in Northern Ireland, said disease eradication presented a significant challenge but he was convinced it was possible.

Sean Hogan, Chairman of the TB Strategic Partnership Group, presenting its interim report this week, says TB can have a devastating impact on herd owners, families and their communities.

He spoke as the report goes out for consultation during the summer. The consultation ends on September 3 and anyone wanting to comment, can read it at http://www.dardni.gov.uk/tbspg-interim-report before a final report is made by the end of this year.

Sean Hogan stated: “During the past 10 years, the TB herd incidence level has fluctuated between 5 and 7.5 per cent and, unless additional firm action is taken, this level of disease is likely to continue. The programme cost to taxpayers is almost £30 million per year, and, in addition, the compliance cost to farmers is some £10 million per year. This must not be allowed to continue indefinitely.

“The eradication of bovine tuberculosis (TB) therefore presents us with a very significant challenge, but we are convinced that achievement is possible. Eradication has been realised in other countries and regions, using the same diagnostic tools that are available to us today. That said, our farm structures and culture are different from those elsewhere.

“Success elsewhere was predicated on a shared understanding and commitment by government, private vets, farmers, the agri-food industry and environmental bodies to progressively reduce the levels of bovine TB until the aim of eradication was realised.

Achievement of that success took time, resource input, industry discipline, and a united focus on the desired outcome. There is every reason why we, with common purpose, should be able to deliver the same desired result.

He said it was “regrettable” Northern Ireland has not been able to remove what he described as the scourge of TB.

Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill, said:“ Bovine TB has a devastating impact on farm families and it is my desire to progressively reduce, and then eradicate, the scourge of T.B. The Ulster Farmers’ Union welcomed the publication of the interim report and Deputy President, Ivor Ferguson said it was clear the present strategy was not working for farmers or taxpayers.

“The report calls for more cooperation within the industry, and that is something we can go along with,” said Mr Ferguson..