Bovine TB: Vets say cuts to cattle compensation 'unfair'

Farmers currently receive the full market value of affected animals removed for slaughter

A body representing vets has said proposed cuts to the bovine tuberculosis (bTB) compensation rates would be "unfair".

Farmers currently receive the full market value of affected animals removed for slaughter.

But a review has been ordered as part of revenue raising measures.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) is to consult on reducing the amount paid for affected animals.

Daera has been asked by the Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris to carry out the consultation aimed at reducing the bTB programme bill from its record high of £53 million in 2022/23.

Daera is seeking opinions on cutting compensation rates to 90% in the first year and 75% in the second.

The North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) believe the proposal "does not match" recommendations made by the TB Strategic Partnership Group.

NIVA represents more than 200 vets in Northern Ireland.

'Major financial impact'

In its response to the consultation, NIVA has highlighted concern that reduced compensation rates "would not directly improve the health and welfare of affected cattle, nor would they invigorate the bTB programme, nor contribute to constructive relationships between farmers and government".

It added that any change to the current compensation arrangements could have a major impact on the financial viability of "many" farms, as well as placing "undue pressure" on the mental health of farmers and farm families.

Daera operates a bTB programme that sees animals tested annually.

The market value that compensation payments for removed animals are based on has increased in recent years.

Disease levels have also risen.

That resulted in compensation accounting for £38m of the bTB programme costs in 2022/23.

The junior vice president of NIVA, Sharon Verner, said "severe and chronic" bTB breakdowns in herds were a "significant" feature of the disease situation in Northern Ireland.

"Therefore it would be most unfair to introduce these cuts, particularly given the current patterns of infection, herd and animal incidence rates, and lack of action to deal with the bTB reservoir in wildlife and to reduce infection risks generally."

An order for a badger cull was quashed in 2023 by the High Court after it found the consultation process had been flawed.

The consultation on the proposed changes to the compensation regime closes on 8 March.