I am aware of the current debate taking place in the United Kingdom on the factors responsible for the increase in bovine tuberculosis. I understand the views of the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), the National Farmers Union and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons have been submitted to the TB forum of the UK Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (MAFF). The BCVA submission includes many of the elements of my Department's current bovine tuberculosis eradication programme, such as herd categorisation, testing strategy, reactor purchase strategy and other biosecurity measures. These measures are being considered along with a strategic wildlife programme in the UK as it is believed the wildlife reservoir of infection remains the major constraint to final eradication of bovine tuberculosis.
In Ireland a similar type review was and continues to be conducted by the tuberculosis investigation unit of University College Dublin. The specific dynamics of bovine tuberculosis as they exist in this country have been well documented and various recommendations on husbandry and other selected factors have been made and acted upon.
