ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair John Barron has called on Minister McConalogue to reaffirm his commitment to eradicating TB in light of concerns that the TB Eradication Programme is underfunded and understaffed. "Department of Agriculture officials today raised concerns about their ability to fully implement the TB Eradication Programme due to shortages in both financial and human resources. This is simply unacceptable, especially as the number of reactors and the hardship caused by TB breakdowns continue to increase," he said.

Mr Barron was speaking following a meeting of the TB Forum's Implementation Working Group, which was held online yesterday, 3 September 2024.

 "ICSA has repeatedly highlighted the ongoing recruitment and staffing issues that have been plaguing the Wildlife Control Programme in relation to TB. The shortage of personnel has long been a serious issue nationwide, with fewer and fewer people available to carry out the important work of the programme amid rising cases of TB. Staff shortages also impact how swiftly reactors can be removed following a breakdown. However, instead of recruiting more staff, a moratorium on hiring new personnel has been put in place, meaning these issues will simply persist."

 Mr Barron said it is crucial that all aspects of the TB Eradication Programme work together to achieve the best results. "Having an eradication programme is pointless if critical components, like the Wildlife Control Programme, are not operating at full capacity. TB breakdowns have a significant impact on the financial stability of farms and the mental health of farm families. Farmers are doing their part, but the Department must step up and fulfil its commitment to addressing the wildlife-related aspects of TB as well as removing reactors in a timely manner."

 Mr Barron urged Minister McConalogue to engage directly with the TB Forum and commit to providing the necessary resources and manpower to ensure the TB Eradication Programme can be fully operational going forward.