The meeting with members of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside, the Ulster Wildlife Trust and the National Trust, provided an opportunity to brief the organisations and to discuss the progress to date on the TB Strategy.
Announced to the Assembly in December 2008, this Strategy addresses real partnership between government and industry; controlling the spread of TB between cattle; and addressing the wildlife factor.
Speaking afterwards the Minister said: “Bovine TB is a complex disease and, despite the considerable progress which has been made, it continues to be one of the most challenging and costly animal health problems we are facing. The TB Strategy represents a phased approach based on proportionality, sound science and economic affordability.”
The Minister also welcomed the engagement of the organisations represented in relation to TB.
Notes to Editors
1. CNCC was represented by Patrick Casement and Peter Archdale; UWT by Heather Thompson and Andrew Upton, and NT by David Bullock and Phil Davidson.
2. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440, and your call will be returned.
