Muir launches consultation on wildlife intervention options to tackle bTB in Northern Ireland
Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir 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.
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.
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