Progress in tuberculosis eradication in Ireland

Abstract

Ireland ran a conventional test and slaughter Bovine Tuberculosis eradication programme from 1954 until 1988. This programme fulfilled our trading requirements but failed to eradicate TB. At this point a major initiative, ERAD, was launched targeted with reducing the disease levels by half within a four-year period and devising the strategy and supports necessary to achieve final eradication. The lessons learned at that time have informed Ireland's eradication programme ever since. Eradication was not possible without developing solutions to address the wildlife disease reservoir and other identified constraints. Since 1992 the programme objectives have been restated. It is now effectively an interim control programme where significant resources have been invested in research and development aimed at overcoming the identified constraints to eradication. Policy is informed by science and debate among stakeholders is generally knowledgeable and balanced. This paper outlines developments in recent years and sets out our expectations for progress in the period ahead.