Tyrone countryside. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says results from badgers that were collected throughout Northern Ireland as part of DAERA’s ongoing roadside collection and testing of dead badgers, emphasises the need for TB to be tackled in all hosts.
DAERA has stated that in 2023, 459 deceased badgers were collected from the roadside across the region. Of the 459 badgers collected, 428 were in a condition that was suitable for laboratory testing. 91 of the badgers tested were confirmed positive for bTB equating to a rate of 21.3% positive for bTB.
Commenting UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said, “Here in Northern Ireland we are in desperate need for an effective program that tackles TB in all of its host, and we have been long lobbying for this. The results from DAERA’s roadside badger collection speaks for itself. In order to have healthy livestock and wildlife, every single avenue which supports TB transmission must be addressed urgently.
“Cattle are subjected to a rigorous testing regime to try and control TB, but for years, it has failed to be successful. It is not effective on its own and highlights a serious level of inaction. Why should wildlife not be addressed in a similar way especially when you consider that in 2023, bTB was confirmed in 0.5% of all cattle tested. There is a significant difference between a positive rate of 0.5% in NI’s cattle population and 21.3% testing positive for bTB out of 91 roadside badgers.
“If we do not tackle TB in wildlife, a huge amount of money will continue to be wasted because DAERA have not acted appropriately to eradicate TB in all of its hosts. This is not about demonising badgers, it is about creating a healthy, prosperous environment for all animals to thrive in, side by side.”
