A new app to report badger activity has been launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, with the bovine TB Stakeholder Forum.
Badgers are known to spread TB to cattle and the app, developed as part of the Government’s wildlife programme, will enable farmers to immediately report badger activity on their farms.
Farmers using the app will help the Department build its knowledge of the range and location of badger activity throughout the country.
Minister McConalogue said: “I am acutely aware of the emotional and financial burden of a TB outbreak in a herd. Only by working together can we see TB rates reduce.”
The Minister confirmed an additional €1m has been secured for the Wildlife Programme in next year’s budget which is an integral element of the TB programme.
“There is an energy and focus from me and my department as well as the TB Forum and its working groups in driving down TB rates,” he added.
Members of the Implementation Working Group (IWG) include the Irish Farmers Association, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, Animal Health Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service.
IWG encourages all farmers to download the app and walk their lands looking for signs of badger activity. More information about identifying the signs of badger activity and how to reduce the risks is available on www.bovinetb.ie
LSL News.