Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir, MLA, has published the Bovine TB in Northern Ireland Blueprint for Eradication, produced by the TB Partnership Steering Group (TBPSG).

The TBPSG, established in January 2025, comprises a wide array of stakeholders from industry, veterinary sectors, and wildlife organisations. Its primary task was to develop proposals for the eradication of bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), as recommended in the Chief Veterinary Officer's recent review of bTB in NI.

The blueprint represents a consensus among the Group for a new collaborative approach between government and stakeholders in tackling the disease. It is structured around three key thematic areas: people, cattle, and wildlife.

The TBPSG is confident that this blueprint will set Northern Ireland on a clear path towards the eventual eradication of Bovine TB, delivering significant benefits for the population, animals, and the environment.

Upon receiving the blueprint, Minister Muir stated: "I warmly welcome the Bovine TB Blueprint for Eradication. This blueprint is the result of hard work, forward thinking and excellent collaboration by members of the TBPSG. We cannot continue on the current path, change is required and this ambitious blueprint provides us with a clear and decisive way forward to finally setting Northern Ireland on the pathway to eradication."

He added his thanks to the members: "I would like to thank members for their extensive efforts in developing and agreeing the blueprint together, which helps identify the immediate priorities for action and the steps needed to put them in place. I have directed my officials to advance the necessary recommendations and decisions which we now need to progress as we set out on this journey together." Brian Dooher, Chief Veterinary Officer and Chair of the TBPSG, emphasised the significance of the blueprint: "The blueprint marks a new step forward in our efforts to eradicate bTB here. It details the immediate actions which must now progress and also provides a roadmap of medium and longer-term areas where continued collaborative working between government and our stakeholders will be essential if we are to deliver the real change now required in our efforts to fight bTB."

Mr Dooher further noted the collaborative foundation of the strategy: "In the foreword, the TBPSG noted that the blueprint is founded on the principle that eradicating this disease requires a unified, multisectoral approach. It acknowledges where further engagement and assessment is needed and recognises that eradication will take time but provides the framework where eradication of bTB can now be realistically advanced."

John Blair MLA, Alliance's Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, also voiced his support for the published blueprint: "This crucial document marks a significant advancement in our efforts to tackle bTB in Northern Ireland. The blueprint's release marks a positive step forward for our farmers, animals, and the environment. By focusing on three key areas, people, cattle, and wildlife, we can enhance our commitment to high animal welfare standards, guarantee the safety of our food supply, and support the future of our agricultural sector."

Mr Blair commended the collaborative effort involved in its creation: "This blueprint is based on extensive research and consultation, as recommended in the Chief Veterinary Officer's recent review of bTB, and I'm encouraged by the comprehensive and evidence-based strategy developed by the TBPSG, which includes a range of industry, veterinary, and wildlife representatives. As the TBPSG has noted, while completely eradicating bTB in Northern Ireland will take time, this blueprint lays out a clear and decisive pathway to achieving that goal. Key to this is a collaborative approach between industry, interested parties, and government."

He concluded by acknowledging the Minister's commitment: "I commend everyone involved for moving at pace to develop this blueprint. I also want to extend my gratitude to Alliance AERA Minister Andrew Muir for his ongoing dedication to addressing this issue with the urgency it requires. However, this is just the beginning; we must now move forward together to deliver this suite of actions in a holistic way."