TB vaccine trials hope
After extensive research and development, hopes are being raised that one of the main identified sources of the disease, badgers, may be brought under control.
Farmers in Limerick were told at a recent IFA meeting that wildlife is a major contributor to the spread of TB in livestock.
Department of Agriculture senior veterinary inspector Pat Meskell told the farmers: “If the trials are successful, we would hope to have a full release of the vaccine for use within two years, which should make a significant difference in the control of the disease.”
He said there were still some pockets of TB infection in Co Limerick, but only 3.5% of herds were restricted, well below the national average of 4.5%, and the county had only 1.84 infected animals per thousand, compared to a national average of 2.54.
