Bovine TB Forum Meeting.pdf

Key Points:

The meeting was held virtually on November 30, 2021, with 17 attendees from various organizations, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
The IWG discussed disease trends, the inconclusive policy, and the success of the wildlife app, with 360 setts reported in its first week.
Whole Genome Sequencing Case Studies were of considerable interest, demonstrating the nuance and complexity of disease transmission.
The IWG praised the positive engagement and education efforts made by DAFM in collaboration with member organizations at the local level.
The group agreed on proposals regarding EU Animal Health Law, including movements into/out of restricted herds and pre/post movement testing.
Action points were assigned, including DAFM circulating a study on whole genome sequencing, providing an update on wildlife staffing figures, and raising the issue of the 4-month test requirement at the RMP working group.

Key Decisions:

Herds split in 2 by DAFM would not lose out on compensation due to movements between the two herds.
OFMV would be paid on home-bred heifers returning to the home herd that moved out to contract rearing prior to August 1, 2021.
Pre/post movement testing would apply to cows and bulls rather than C0-C3 herds.

Next Steps:

The next IWG meeting will be held on January 11, 2022, at 11 am.
DAFM will collaborate with Teagasc on the Contract Rearing Information leaflet and pro forma rearing contract.
The IWG communications sub-group will meet again shortly to discuss ongoing efforts.