Bovine TB Meeting.pdf

Date and Time: 05 September 2023, 11:00 - 13:00
Location: Online Meeting
* Attendees: Representatives from various organizations, including ICMSA, ICSA, IFA, Teagasc, AHI, Veterinary Ireland, and Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM)

Key Discussion Points:

1. Disease Trends Update: Herd incidence and reactor numbers have increased, with 180 TB TASAH's completed. The Department will revisit the 700 farmers originally contacted and widen the scope.
2. Communications Update: Updates on historic inconclusives, inconclusive reactors, and animal health law post-movement testing were presented.
3. Wildlife Update: Discussion focused on staffing and additional funding for the wildlife programme, with a suggested partnership approach.
4. Attitude of PVPs to the TB Programme: The Department presented its findings, which were welcomed by farming bodies, noting that issues raised by them were reflected in the survey.
5. Whole Genome Case Study: Postponed until the next meeting.

Action Points:

1. DAFM to circulate information on changes to H and L herd definitions and the contiguous programme.
2. The Chair will write to the Minister about the wildlife programme.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, 03 October 2023, 11:00 AM.