A Consultation on potential wildlife intervention options as part of the Bovine Tuberculosis in NI Blueprint for Eradication

Overview

DAERA is seeking views on potential wildlife intervention options as part of the Bovine Tuberculosis in Northern Ireland: Blueprint for Eradication. The consultation focuses on how Northern Ireland should address the role of badgers in the maintenance and spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), alongside wider disease control measures. It also seeks views on the Blueprint itself, delivery and funding models for wildlife intervention, and whether trained lay vaccinators should be allowed to vaccinate badgers under veterinary supervision in Northern Ireland.

Bovine TB remains one of the most significant animal health challenges facing Northern Ireland. The consultation document states that current levels of bTB disease in NI for the 12-month period up to April 2026 show bTB herd incidence at 9.78% and confirmed herd prevalence up to December 2025 at 14.05,  with the bTB programme expected to cost more than £70 million in 2025/26, including £54 million in compensation. The wider economic, operational and emotional consequences on farmers and the agri-food sector is also significant.

Scientific evidence considered by the Department indicates that badgers can act as a wildlife reservoir for Mycobacterium bovis and may contribute to ongoing disease persistence and transmission to cattle in Northern Ireland. The consultation therefore asks for views on whether wildlife intervention is necessary and, if so, which approach or approaches should be taken forward.

The consultation covers three potential wildlife intervention options: Non-Selective Cull, Test and Vaccinate or Remove (TVR), and Vaccination Only. It also asks for views on different deployment methods, including controlled shooting of free-roaming badgers, cage trapping, and stopped restraints, as well as options for private sector or farmer-led delivery.

The Department has not reached a final view on which, if any, wildlife intervention option should be adopted. No option is presented as preferred or pre-selected. Responses to this consultation will help inform Ministerial consideration, alongside the scientific evidence, impact assessments and wider policy context.

This consultation seeks views on:

• whether wildlife intervention should form part of the bTB eradication programme;
• the relative merits of Non-Selective Cull, TVR, and Vaccination Only;
• which delivery methods should be permitted;
• whether wildlife intervention should be delivered by the private sector or farmer-led organisations under DAERA oversight;
• whether licensed lay vaccinators should be introduced in Northern Ireland;
• whether the Blueprint for Eradication contains the necessary actions to tackle bTB in Northern Ireland.

This consultation does not seek views on:

• individual cattle measures;
• individual people/governance measures
• compensation decisions.

Who can respond?

Anyone can respond to this consultation. The Department particularly welcomes responses from farmers, livestock keepers, landowners, veterinary professionals, environmental and conservation interests, agricultural organisations and any member of the public with an interest in bTB control and eradication in Northern Ireland.

Why your views matter

Bovine TB continues to place a heavy burden on Northern Ireland’s farming community, the agri-food sector and public finances. It affects farm businesses, restricts cattle movements, creates stress for herd owners and has long-term financial implications for both government and industry.

The issue of wildlife intervention is complex and sensitive. It raises questions about scientific evidence, animal welfare, operational practicality, environmental impact, cost, legislation and public confidence. The Department wants to hear from as wide a range of people as possible before decisions are taken.

By taking part, you can help shape decisions on:

• whether wildlife intervention is necessary in Northern Ireland;
• which wildlife intervention option or options should be available;
• how any intervention should be delivered, funded and monitored;
• whether trained lay vaccinators should be permitted;
• how the wider Blueprint for Eradication should develop.

Your response will contribute to the evidence base that informs final decisions on wildlife intervention policy and the future direction of the bTB eradication programme in Northern Ireland.

 Confidentiality:

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the public a right of access to any information held by a public authority, the Department in this case. This includes information provided in response to this consultation. The Department will publish a synopsis of responses to the consultation. This will include a list of names of organisations that responded but not personal names, addresses or other contact details. The Department cannot automatically consider information supplied to it in response to a consultation, to be confidential. However, it does have a responsibility to decide whether any information provided by you in response to a consultation, including information about your identity, should be made public or treated as confidential.

If you do not wish information about your identity to be made public please include an explanation in your response. Please be aware that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, except in very particular circumstances. You can submit your explanation to TB.Consultation@daera-ni.gov.uk

Please note, if your computer automatically includes a confidentiality disclaimer, it won’t count as a confidentiality request. Should you respond in an individual capacity: the Department will process your personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

This means that your personal information will not be disclosed to third parties should you request confidentiality. For further information about confidentiality of responses please contact the Information Commissioners Office (see its website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk)