ICSA puts spotlight on Monaghan TB issues

ICSA is hosting a farmers meeting to discuss the TB situation in Monaghan, taking place in the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan, from 8pm on May 8.

ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair Hugh Farrell said: “First-quarter figures for 2019 show the Monaghan area continues to be problematic when it comes to TB.

“In Monaghan, the rate of reactors per 1,000 tests is 4.57, significantly higher than the national rate of 1.48. ICSA are glad to welcome senior officials from the department to Monaghan to assess the situation and to debate the best way forward for the county.”

Speakers at the event include the Department of Agriculture’s Eoin Ryan, senior superintending veterinary inspector ruminant animal health division, and Peter Monaghan of the Department of Agriculture, senior veterinary inspector, Cavan office.

The meeting will also be addressed by Mr Farrell, and Eddie Punch, the ICSA general secretary.

The event will also review proposals to reform the TB eradication programme.

ICSA Monaghan chairman Gareth Graham, said: “It is important for local farmers to hear about those proposals and have their say.”