Tb Problem in South Kerry Must Be Sorted out – O’driscoll

 

The Chairman of Kerry IFA Pat O’Driscoll told today’s IFA meeting of farmers from the Iveragh Peninsula that the Minister and his officials must recognise the enormous financial burden that TB controls impose on farmers.

 

“Where controls are deemed necessary to achieve eradication, farmers must be fully compensated for the disruption and costs imposed on their business.”

 

IFA Animal Health Chairman Pat Farrell said IFA is demanding changes to the live valuation scheme that will ensure farmers are fully compensated for the animals they lose.   IFA has identified shortcomings of up to €300 in the live valuation scheme for some animals.

 

Further amendments to the income supplement scheme are being sought by IFA. These have to fully address the actual income loss experienced by farmers due to TB breakdowns.

 

He said these issues have been brought to the attention of the Minister and his officials over the last 12 months and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

 

Pat O’Driscoll said the large attendance at today’s meeting in Caherciveen is indicative of the depth of feeling among farmers on the issue.

 

“Apart from the financial loss, there is also the emotional trauma for a farmer when the herd is taken away. The impact of this is incalculable.”

 

He said addressing the main contributing factors – such as badgers and deer to ongoing TB in cattle – must be a priority. All the resources necessary must be provided in the South Kerry area to bring this problem under control.