AIE Request:
– list of current DAFM deer management programmes in Ireland in relation to TB
– any summary reports from current/recent DAFM deer management programmes (2021 to date)
– any testing reports or statistics on TB infection from deer carcasses for 2021- to date
In respect of your request for information please see attached and detail below.
– List of current DAFM deer management programmes in Ireland in relation to TB.
DAFM are not carrying out a deer management programme in relation to TB in Ireland. There is limited evidence to suggest that deer play a significant role in the spread of TB to bovines, and based on the evidence to date, this has been confined to one part of the country. However, DAFM is keen that any suspicions of deer being involved in TB outbreaks is investigated. In this context, where there is a suspicion deer have contributed to a significant TB outbreak DAFM encourages the farmers to work with local hunters to investigated any such suspicions. In such circumstances, the hunters and farmers are encouraged to have samples submitted from slain deer to their local RVL. All submissions are tested free of charge. In addition to this deer stalkers can also submit samples from deer they have shot in any part of the ROI. These submissions are also tested free of charge.
– Any summary reports from current/recent DAFM deer management programmes (2021 to date)
There are no reports on this as DAFM are not responsible for the management of deer in Ireland. The NPWS are responsible for the management of deer in Ireland
– Any testing reports or statistics on TB infection from deer carcasses for 2021- to date
From January 2021 to the time of writing there have been 237 samples submitted from deer to the RVLs. Of these submissions, 37 had a positive test result for M.Bovis.