Towards eradication of bovine tuberculosis in Ireland: A critical review of progress

There has been a national bovine tuberculosis eradication programme in Ireland since 1954. Initial progress was rapid, but has subsequently stalled despite the implementation of each of the accepted elements of disease control. Based on results from the East Offaly and four area projects, there is now conclusive evidence that wildlife (specifically transmission of infection badgers to cattle) are a key constraint to disease eradication in Ireland, with cattle-to-cattle transmission of relatively lesser importance. Ireland is currently implementing a comprehensive strategy to address this constraint, whilst maintaining existing measures to control cattle-to-cattle transmission. In the short-term, a national programme of wildlife control has been implemented in areas of high disease prevalence. In the longer term, Ireland is committed to the development of an effective badger vaccine and the implementation of a strategic programme of badger vaccination.