ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair John Barron has urged farmers to familiarise themselves with the changes to the TB eradication programme coming into effect from next Monday, 13 April. “These changes form part of the TB Action Plan and will have practical implications for farmers in terms of testing and animal movements. It is important that all farmers take the time now to understand what is required,” he said.

While the changes will affect all sectors, the impact will vary depending on the type and scale of enterprise. “For many drystock and suckler farmers, especially smaller herds, the overall impact will be limited. From the outset, ICSA made it clear that lower-risk herds should not be overburdened, and it is positive that this has been reflected in the final plan,” he said.

 He welcomed the removal of the post-movement test requirement, a measure ICSA had consistently opposed. “This was an unnecessary cost and inconvenience for farmers buying in stock. Its removal is a practical and common-sense step that reflects concerns we have raised over a long period,” he said.

 Mr Barron said he would advise farmers to plan ahead when selling stock under the new rules. “Farmers selling cows or bulls over 36 months should aim to do so within six months of their herd test. Where that is not possible, they should consider a pre-movement test to protect the full market value of their animals. The key is to understand the changes and use them to your best advantage,” he said.

 However, he said significant issues remain, particularly in relation to compensation. “Compensation is always the last thing the Department wants to address, but it is a critical part of the TB strategy. Farmers must be paid the true market value for animals removed, alongside proper income support and hardship grants that are fit for purpose. The Department now needs to urgently re-engage in meaningful discussions on this issue,” he said.

He said it is also vital that these stronger cattle controls are matched by meaningful action on wildlife. “The new TB Action Plan includes commitments on the wildlife programme, and farmers expect the Department to also act on these from 13 April. This is not a one-sided programme and cattle measures alone will not succeed without a serious and visible effort to tackle wildlife as a source of infection.”