21 APRIL 2017

ICSA rural development chairman Seamus Sherlock said he is extremely concerned about the almost 10% incidence level of TB reactors experienced on farms in West Wicklow. Mr Sherlock said “The figures underpin the need to control the wild deer population in the area. There is no doubt that there is a causal link between the deer population and the high levels of TB reactors we are seeing.”

Figures released by the Department of Agriculture show that 13 herds in West Wicklow have been restricted to date in 2017 out of 137 herds tested. At a herd incidence level of 9.49%, West Wicklow has the highest incidence of reactors anywhere in the country. The average herd incidence rate nationally stands at 2.60%.

Mr Sherlock said “ICSA has held a public meeting on the issue in the Glen of Imaal and has met with both Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in a bid to find a solution to the this crippling problem. All strategies are currently being investigated and ICSA will be continuing to work with Coillte and the NPWS until the farmers in West Wicklow can get on with their farming without this added burden.”

ENDS