DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has signalled a shift from “strategy to delivery” on bovine tuberculosis eradication, announcing that procurement will soon begin for Northern Ireland-wide biosecurity assessments covering 700 farms annually. Speaking at the British Veterinary Association and Northern Ireland Veterinary Association reception during the Balmoral Show, Mr Muir acknowledged that TB continues to impose “unacceptable costs” on farmers’ wellbeing and the public purse, while outlining progress on disease control, animal welfare reforms, and cross-border cooperation.
TB Eradication: From Blueprint to On-Farm Action
The Minister described the TB Partnership Steering Group’s Blueprint for Eradication as a “bold step forward for government-stakeholder cooperation,” insisting that concrete measures are now replacing planning phases.
Procurement is about to commence for Northern Ireland-wide on-farm biosecurity assessments and advice, with around 700 farms per year expected to benefit. Progress is also being made on movement testing, alongside work to improve farmers’ access herd bTB history data. DAERA expanded the use of interferon gamma blood testing and are actively working towards establishing the basis for its wider use. We are also is working with the TBPSG on new criteria for alternative control herds, while working with DAFM to deliver an innovative cross-border project to tackle TB in the north-west. In addition, significant progress has been made in preparing a consultation on potential wildlife intervention options, which will issue shortly, following completion of the required environmental assessments and engagement with the Partnership Group. These measures represent concrete delivery against my commitment to change the trajectory of TB in Northern Ireland, reflecting the central role of the veterinary profession in that effort.
Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
The Minister recognised that bovine TB had imposed “unacceptable costs” on farmers’ wellbeing, income and also the public purse. While the speech offered no specific date for the long-awaited wildlife intervention consultation, officials indicated it would issue “shortly” following environmental assessments.
Disease Control Updates: Bluetongue, Avian Flu and BVD
With warmer weather increasing disease risks, Mr Muir urged farmers to maintain strict biosecurity and report any suspicions of Bluetongue immediately. He noted that on 15 April 2026, DAERA moved from specific to general licensing for BTV-3 vaccination to improve accessibility.
To support disease prevention, on 15 April, I authorised the move from the requirement for a specific licence to a general licence for BTV-3 vaccination, making vaccination more accessible. I strongly encourage farmers to discuss vaccination with their veterinary practitioner.
Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Regarding Avian Influenza, the Minister welcomed the lifting of the compulsory housing order on 5 May 2026, but stressed that all bird keepers must continue strict biosecurity measures to protect progress made during the outbreak period.
On Bovine Viral Diarrhoea, Mr Muir confirmed that herd restrictions introduced earlier this year remain essential to prevent disease spread. These measures, which began with immediate effect from 1 February 2026 for positive herds and extended to breeding-age females from 1 March 2026, will continue on a phased basis over a 16-month period.
By continuing to work closely with Animal Health and Welfare NI, the delivery partner for the BVD eradication scheme, and the wider industry, we can continue the journey towards a BVD‑free Northern Ireland.
Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Animal Welfare Reforms and Traceability
The Minister highlighted progress on the Animal Welfare Pathway, including plans to introduce Lucy’s Law to ban third-party puppy and kitten sales, and the laying of legislation to mandate CCTV in all areas of slaughterhouses where animals are present. He also noted the recent completion of an independent review of dog breeding regulations by an Expert Advisory Group chaired by Professor Gareth Arnott of Queen’s University Belfast.
Last week, DAERA launched a public consultation on proposed animal welfare policy reforms, seeking views until 30 June 2026 on:
- Regulation of rescue and rehoming organisations
- Banning specific aversive training devices
- Strengthening microchipping requirements for dogs
- Inflationary increases to dog licence fees
- Evidence on mandatory microchipping for pet cats
On equine traceability, Mr Muir reported that over 2,500 equine establishments have now been registered in Northern Ireland, with work continuing with the Irish Government to improve cross-border information sharing in line with the Professor Wall Report Action Plan.
Critical Analysis and Outstanding Questions
While the Minister framed the announcements as evidence of “concrete delivery,” several gaps remain in the implementation framework. The wildlife intervention consultation—critical to addressing the role of badgers in TB transmission—lacks a firm publication date, with officials offering only that it will arrive “shortly.” Given that previous TB strategies have stalled over legal and environmental challenges around wildlife controls, this vagueness may concern farmers awaiting clarity.
Similarly, the commitment to assess 700 farms annually for biosecurity represents a modest fraction of Northern Ireland’s total herd, raising questions about prioritisation criteria and whether high-risk herds will be fast-tracked.
The article poses five questions for stakeholders and officials:
- How will DAERA ensure the forthcoming wildlife intervention consultation balances farmer demands for disease control with environmental and legal obligations?
- With TB compensation costs exceeding £56 million annually, what specific measurable targets will be set to evaluate the Blueprint’s success within the next Assembly term?
- Will the 700 farms receiving biosecurity assessments be selected based on risk profiling, and how will the Department measure the impact of this advice on breakdown rates?
- Given that database delays previously deferred BVD breeding-female restrictions, what safeguards exist to prevent IT infrastructure problems from affecting the expanded interferon-gamma testing programme?
- As local councils assume greater enforcement responsibilities under Lucy’s Law and new rescue/rehoming regulations, what additional funding will ensure they have capacity beyond current stretched resources?
What to Watch For
The coming months will test whether these announcements translate into measurable disease reduction. Observers should monitor the publication date of the wildlife intervention consultation, herd incidence statistics for the second quarter of 2026, and uptake rates for the BTV-3 general vaccination licence. The animal welfare consultation closes on 30 June 2026, with legislation on CCTV and Lucy’s Law expected to follow later this year. For farmers, the immediate priority remains compliance with the new BVD restrictions and maintaining biosecurity vigilance as the Bluetongue vector-active period continues.