Daera launches Northern Ireland bovine TB wildlife consultation

Northern Ireland’s agriculture minister has launched a consultation on wildlife intervention measures to help tackle bovine TB, including options ranging from badger culling to vaccination.

Daera minister Andrew Muir said the 12-week consultation would gather views on how wildlife should form part of Northern Ireland’s long-term bovine TB eradication strategy, but stressed that no preferred option has been selected.

The consultation considers three approaches to badger intervention: non-selective culling, selective culling through a test and vaccinate or remove (TVR) programme, and vaccination only.

See also: Northern Ireland steps up TB blood testing regime in cattle

It also seeks views on capture methods, delivery models, funding arrangements and the possible introduction of lay vaccination of badgers.

Wildlife intervention is one of 34 actions contained within the stakeholder-led Bovine Tuberculosis in Northern Ireland: Blueprint for Eradication, which was endorsed by the minister in April 2025.

Three pillars

The strategy is built around three pillars: cattle, wildlife, and people.

Launching the consultation, Mr Muir acknowledged the continuing toll the disease takes on the livestock sector.

“Bovine TB remains one of the most significant animal health challenges facing Northern Ireland,” he said.

“It continues to have a devastating impact on farmers, their families and rural communities.

“It also places unsustainable costs on both industry and government.”

Mr Muir recognised that wildlife intervention remains one of the most sensitive aspects of bovine TB policy.

“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.”

He added: “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.”

Complex problem

NI chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher said the consultation would help assess the role wildlife intervention could play alongside existing disease control measures.

“Bovine TB remains a complex problem. Addressing the disease effectively requires a comprehensive and evidence-based approach,” he added.

The consultation also invites views on the wider Blueprint for Eradication to help shape the next phase of Northern Ireland’s bovine TB programme.

Responses are invited until 5pm on Friday 25 September.