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DAERA launches TB Partnership Steering Group
The group will share a report with DAERA minister Andrew Muir by the end of March.
Veterinary experts are among the group informing decisions.

A new bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) Partnership Steering Group has been established to support the eradication of the disease in Northern Ireland.

The group, launched by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), will see experts from the veterinary, farming, environmental and industry communities collaborate to explore proposals.

The establishment of the group follows a report from chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher, which was released in November 2024. The report included 40 proposals recommended by Mr Dooher to target the reduction and elimination of bTB.

Mr Dooher’s report reviewed progress achieved since the 2022 Bovine TB Eradication Strategy. However, it also examined evidence of higher levels of bovine TB incidence in Northern Ireland.

The TB Partnership Steering Group will begin by examining the immediate priorities for action and the steps that need to be put in place.

It will then work through the remaining proposals, before reporting suggestions back to Andrew Muir, the minister for agriculture, environment and rural affairs, by the end of March.

Mr Muir will make an announcement on DAERA’s next steps soon after.

The TB Partnership Steering Group has already had its first meeting to discuss initial steps. Many of the proposals raised by Mr Dooher will require further policy development, financial and legislative assessment, and consideration from ministers.

The group is chaired by Mr Dooher, with representatives from twelve different groups sharing their views. This includes the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland, North of Ireland Veterinary Association and Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Mr Dooher said: “This is a new and radical form of bTB governance for Northern Ireland and will be a unique coalition in managing the disease. It is important that government engages with this form of partnership working and enters dialogue openly with stakeholders adopting a solution focused mindset.

“We welcome the new members of the partnership group and look forward to working with them to develop a delivery plan which will outline key actions to be taken forward in the time ahead.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."