TB Eradication Strategy - Know the facts!

TB Eradication Strategy

TBEP to host bTB Eradication Strategy - Information Roadshows

The TB Eradication Partnership (TBEP) was established as an independent advisory body to provide advice to DAERA and the Minister for Agriculture on an eradication strategy for bovine TB.

TBEP have spent considerable time over the past four years providing input and advice to the development of the Strategy. The Strategy has been co-designed with stakeholders using scientific evidence and benchmarked against other jurisdictions to ensure we have the best possible approach.

TBEP were conscious of the frustration within the farming community, and very much welcomed the publication of the Minister’s Strategy earlier this year and recognise the Minister's strong commitment to the delivery of all the actions within it.

The TBEP has a key role in engagement and communication of the Strategy and in the delivery of a number of actions within it. 

To help farmers learn more about the Strategy and specifically how the badger removal programme will be delivered, TBEP are organising a series of information sessions across Northern Ireland. Representatives from DAERA and the farming organisations will explain how the badger removal programme will operate and what role farmers will have.

The first of these sessions will take place on the 7.30 pm on the 24 October in the CAFRE Campus - 2 Mullaghmeen Road, Levaghy, Enniskillen BT74 4GF. The full list of dates and venues is listed below. To register for this or any of the sessions please email TBBR.Policybranch@daera-ni.gov.uk.

Up and coming roadshows (beginning at 7.30pm) include:
📍24 October: CAFRE Campus Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.
📍27 October: La Mon Hotel, Co. Antrim.
📍2 November: CAFRE campus Loughry, Co. Tyrone
📍3 November: CAFRE campus Greenmount, Co, Antrim.
📍9 November: Armagh City Hotel, Co. Armagh.
📍10 November: Royal Court Hotel, Co. Antrim.

The hard work of implementation has now begun and, in terms of delivery, the TBEP has a key role in delivery. Implementing this bTB Eradication Strategy will take courage, compromise, the support of farmers and the broader farming industry. There is also a need for on-going scientific research into this complex disease. TBEP will continue to listen to stakeholders, aware of the concerns from environmental groups. TBEP will also need the support of political parties and the Assembly to ensure effective delivery.

Having provided advice and input throughout the development of the Strategy, in partnership with other key stakeholders, the TBEP is committed to working with the Department and farmers to implement it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the farming industry working in real partnership with government to deliver on the goal to eradicate bTB in Northern Ireland. TBEP looks forward to meeting you at one of the information sessions.

Source: DAERA