Northern Ireland's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Mr Brian
Dooher has met with the new TB Partnership Steering Group for the
first time to explore proposals to eradicate bovine Tuberculosis
(bTB).
The Group, which has experts from farming, industry,
environmental and veterinary communities, was established
following a recommendation from the CVO as part of his review of
bTB. The review was published in November 2024 and contained 40
proposals aimed at reducing and eliminating bTB if implemented.
Speaking of the Group's first meeting, Minister said: “When I received
Mr Dooher's report in 2024, I immediately instructed my officials
to establish a new government and industry body to consider the
40 proposals contained within the report and
produce a delivery plan for my consideration as quickly
as possible.
“The Group will firstly focus on identifying the
immediate priorities for action and the steps needed to put them
in place. It will then work through the remaining proposals and
report to me by the end of March.”
The Group is chaired by Brian Dooher and membership is as
follows:
- Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern
Ireland
- Dairy Council for Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association
- Northern Ireland Badger Group
- Northern Ireland Livestock Auctioneers' Association
- North of Ireland Veterinary Association
- Ulster Farmers' Union
- Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Ulster Wildlife
- Public Health Agency
- Livestock & Meat Commission for Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland Meat Exporters' Association
The Minister continued: “There is no time to spare on
this important issue. I am determined to form a strong
partnership with all those affected by this disease and move
swiftly to deliver solutions that eradicate TB once and for
all.
“I look forward to receiving the TB
Partnership Steering Group's report by the end of March and will
make an announcement on next steps as soon as possible
thereafter.”
Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher said: “The establishment
of this steering group is the start of our journey to control and
eradicate this disease in Northern Ireland. The Tuberculosis
Partnership Steering Group will represent a wide range of
backgrounds and experiences relevant to driving forward the
eradication of bovine TB.
“This is a new and radical form of bTB governance for Northern
Ireland and will be a unique coalition in managing the disease.
It is important that government engages with this form of
partnership working and enters dialogue openly with stakeholders
adopting a solution focused mindset. We welcome the new members
of the partnership group and look forward to working with them to
develop a delivery plan which will outline key actions to be
taken forward in the time ahead.”
NOTES TO
EDITORS:
- The CVO review of bovine TB in Northern Ireland was published
in November 2024 and can be downloaded using the
following link: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/chief-veterinary-officer-review-bovine-tuberculosis-northern-ireland-november-2024
