Concerns over rollout of new Bovine TB Action Plan

Concerns are mounting among farmers and livestock traders over the implementation of the new Bovine TB Action Plan, with claims that aspects of the rollout are unfair, unclear and placing additional unnecessary pressures on the already embattled farming sector.

Fianna Fáil councillor Áine Smith told the May monthly meeting of Cavan County Council there is widespread support for efforts to reduce and ultimately eradicate bovine tuberculosis. But she warned that frustration is growing over how some of the new measures are being introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Chief among concerns is a proposal to retrospectively restrict the sale of cows from herds that were locked up before the official launch of the Action Plan.

“Strong criticisms have been made about the Department’s proposal to retrospectively restrict the sale of cows from herds that were locked up before the official launch of the Action Plan,” she said. “This approach is unfair. Farmers affected by these restrictions acted in good faith under the rules that were in place at the time.” Cllr Smith said farming stakeholders had previously been assured that no measures would be applied retrospectively.

“It is essential that the Department honours those commitments,” she stated.

Classifications

The elected representative said many farmers remain confused about their TB status and what the classifications actually mean in practice.

“The issue of retrospective application goes to the heart of the wider concern among farmers: the lack of clarity surrounding the new regulations,” she said, noting terms such as “restricted”, “inconclusive”, “suspended” and “clear” are difficult to interpret. It particularly impacts when farmers are attempting to determine whether cattle can be sold, require pre-testing or which outlets remain available to them.

“Farmers need clear, herd-specific information that explains exactly what cattle they can move and the outlets available to them,” Cllr Smith continued. “They need to know whether animals can be sold through the mart, to neighbouring farms, or directly to the factory.”

Without detailed guidance farmers risk being forced to navigate a highly complex system while risking costly mistakes. The cost of mandatory pre-testing was also highlighted.

“Under the new rules, certain categories of cattle must be tested within 30 days prior to movement,” she said. “For farmers who regularly buy and sell livestock, this requirement represents a significant additional expense that further erodes already tight margins.”

In many cases, the financial burden of testing may “outweigh the value of the trade itself.” Cllr Smith warned that livestock marts could also face disruption.

“Reduced numbers of eligible cattle, combined with confusion over testing requirements, could lower throughput and create disruption in normal trading patterns.”

Unreasonable

Farmers had believed the Animal Identification and Movement System (AIMS) would automatically prevent non-compliant cattle movements, with marts overseeing compliance in the interim. However, it has since emerged the safeguard is not yet operational.

“If Department systems are not fully operational, it is unreasonable to expect farmers to bear the full burden of compliance and the risk of sanctions.” Cllr Smith said farmers should not face penalties for genuine mistakes while attempting to comply with regulations that remain “complex and poorly communicated”.

She further warned the Department against repeating mistakes linked to previous changes in TB compensation schemes.

“The Department must also learn from previous problems with changes to TB compensation schemes, where systems were introduced before they were ready and it took 18 months to resolve the resulting issues,” she said.

Calling for a pause to aspects of the new plan, Cllr Smith said no further measures should be introduced until all support systems are fully operational, and stressed that the long-term success of the TB eradication programme depends on maintaining the “trust” and cooperation of farmers.

Evolving

“That trust can only be maintained if the rules are applied fairly, communicated clearly and implemented in a practical manner,” she said. “Farmers are committed to doing their part, but they need certainty about what they can sell, who they can sell to, and assurance that they will not be penalised for genuine mistakes made under a system that is still evolving.” Cllr Smith concluded by urging the Department to reduce the administrative burden already facing farm families.

“Farmers need less paperwork,” she said.

“They are already overburdened with paperwork and the Department should be trying to reduce such burdens.”