DAERA Minister has today launched a public
consultation on options for potential wildlife intervention to
help tackle bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Northern
Ireland.
Wildlife intervention is where actions are progressed which aim
to tackle the maintenance and spread of bTB in badgers.
The consultation sets out the scientific evidence, delivery
considerations and animal welfare implications associated with
different approaches to any intervention as part of a wider range
of measures to address bTB maintenance and spread. The options
include non-selective culling, selective culling through a test
and vaccinate or remove (TVR) approach and vaccination only. It
also seeks views on capture methods and the approach to delivery
and funding of any approach which may be progressed.
Wildlife consultation was a key objective from the
stakeholder-led TB Partnership Steering Group chaired by DAERA.
The resulting Bovine Tuberculosis in Northern Ireland: Blueprint
for Eradication', which was endorsed by Minister Muir in April
2025, sets out 34 actions across three key pillars Cattle,
Wildlife and People and provides a roadmap for a coordinated and
sustainable approach to bTB eradication.
Launching the consultation, Minister Muir said: Bovine
tuberculosis remains one of the most significant animal health
challenges facing Northern Ireland.
It continues to have a devastating impact on farmers, their
families and rural communities. It also places unsustainable
costs on both industry and government.
The Blueprint to eradicate bTB sets out three key pillars on
which action is required to tackle this problem; Cattle, People
and Wildlife. I recognise that a wildlife intervention is a
complex and sensitive issue, and one on which there are strongly
held and differing views.
Minister Muir continued: This consultation is intended to gather
views on a range of possible wildlife intervention approaches,
and I want to be clear that no preferred option is being proposed
at this stage.
As I have previously stated, any decision I take on wildlife
intervention will be science-led and evidence-based. The views
received through this consultation process will play an important
role in informing my decision.
Minister Muir concluded: I would strongly encourage all those
with an interest to take part in this consultation.
It provides the opportunity to consider the available evidence
used by the Department, contribute their views and provide any
additional evidence in a constructive and informed way.
The consultation will also seek views on the potential
introduction of lay vaccination of badgers against bTB and is
asking for input on the current Blueprint to help inform next
steps on key objectives to be progressed within the Northern
Ireland bTB Programme.
Welcoming the launch of the consultation, Chief Veterinary
Officer, Brian Dooher, said: Bovine tuberculosis remains a
complex problem. Addressing the disease effectively requires a
comprehensive and evidence-based approach.
This consultation provides an important opportunity to consider
the available scientific evidence on wildlife intervention
options and to reflect on their potential role, alongside other
measures, in progressing towards eradication.
The consultation is open for 12 weeks and closes at 5pm on Friday
25 September.
Further information, including how to respond, is available here:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-on-potential-wildlife-intervention-options-part-bovine-tuberculosis-northern-ireland-blueprint-eradication.
Notes to editors:
- Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic infectious disease
that primarily affects cattle but can also infect other species,
including wildlife.
- Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) is caused mainly by Mycobacterium
bovis (M. bovis).
- Tackling bTB effectively is further complicated by the
persistence of M.bovis in the environment with M.bovis remaining
viable for up to 6 months in faeces along with the fact that it
can be transmitted to and from wildlife such as badgers and deer.
- Eradication of bTB remains a key priority for DAERA.
- The Bovine Tuberculosis in Northern Ireland: Blueprint for
Eradication can be read at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/tb-partnership-steering-group-bovine-tb-northern-ireland-blueprint-eradication.
