UFU calls Daera’s bovine TB review an ‘insult’

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has delivered a scathing critique of the latest government review of Northern Ireland’s bovine tuberculosis (TB) strategy, labelling it an insult to farmers grappling with financial devastation and mental anguish due to the escalating disease.

Unveiled by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) minister Andrew Muir and Northern Ireland (NI) chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher, the review suggests a year-long “trap, vaccinate and release” programme for wildlife, followed by a targeted cull informed by data.

The report also emphasises regional interventions. However, the UFU argues that these measures are inadequate and fail to address the root causes of bovine TB, which now affects more than 10% of Northern Ireland’s cattle herds, costing taxpayers £55.7m last year alone.

See also: NI farmers must act to stop lower TB compensation payments

“This is not a solution – it’s a delay tactic,” said UFU president William Irvine. “Herd infection rates are rising, TB reactor numbers are at record highs, and yet Daera has once again kicked the can down the road.

“Farmers are heartbroken, and livelihoods are on the line. This crisis demands decisive action, not bureaucratic stalling.”

The UFU points to Daera’s failure to implement an effective eradication strategy, accusing the department of prioritising compliance with EU animal health laws over genuine solutions.

Annual herd incidence rose from 10.15% to 10.41% in just two months, reflecting what the UFU calls “out-of-control” infection rates.

The union has demanded an urgent meeting with Northern Ireland’s first and deputy first ministers, arguing that the NI Executive must treat bovine TB as a matter of national importance.

Beyond the farming sector, the financial burden is projected to surpass £1bn over the next 15 years unless there is significant intervention.

“This review was a chance to chart a new course,” Mr Irvine said. “Instead, it’s a glaring missed opportunity.

“Farmers’ resilience has been battered by broken promises. Daera must step up – Northern Ireland’s farming future depends on it.”

The UFU has vowed to push for action at next week’s public Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs session, marking a critical juncture for Northern Ireland’s agricultural community.

Badger cull quashed

In October 2023, a High Court judge in Northern Ireland quashed a decision by the former agriculture minister Edwin Poots to allow badger culling.

The decision was made after wildlife charities and campaign groups, including the NI Badger Group and Wild Justice, challenged the Daera plans. The judge ruled that the department’s consultation process was flawed.

Daera has stressed that its latest review is not the final decision on its TB policy going forward.