EU must support TB eradication in Ireland - Mayo MEP
THE European Commission must support Irish efforts to achieve TB-free status over the coming years to protect the economic viability and international reputation of our agricultural sector, MEP Maria Walsh has said.
Ahead of a debate on animal health in the European Parliament today, MEP Walsh highlighted the increase of bovine TB as a major concern and cost to farmers across Ireland.
A member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, she said: “While many think of TB as a thing of the past, bovine TB is a modern-day plague for many Irish farmers. The incidence rate has been on the increase since 2016, resulting in over 32,000 animals being impacted and over 5,000 herds placed under restriction.
“With our current infection numbers, Ireland is an outlier in Europe. Seventeen EU member states are now completely free from infection, with an additional three infection-free in part of their territory.
“This is an issue not only impacting the viability of our agriculture sector but also the reputation of our industry internationally.”
She continued: “The dairy sector is particularly vulnerable to TB with the industry accounting for 38% of impacted herds and 65% of infected animals last year.
“The constant fear of infection lingers over farmers, adding to a long list of worries for those in the agriculture sector. Along with the logistical nightmare presented by a case of TB, the financial costs associated with the loss of a herd can be devastating for family farmers. In 2021, direct costs of bovine TB were estimated at €105 million.
“Given the elimination of bovine TB is a priority for the EU, I believe the European Commission should focus attention on the few member states where TB still persists.
“I propose the creation of a specific plan to eradicate the infection in these countries, based on the learnings from other EU member states which have been successful in this goal. The plan should take into account the special case of Ireland’s agricultural sector given our shared border with the UK and the impact that has on the single market.”