Ulster Unionist Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Spokesperson Robbie Butler MLA has backed the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s call for urgent action to tackle bovine TB, warning that Northern Ireland’s current trajectory is unsustainable and unjustifiable.

Butler said, “We cannot claim to care about animal welfare while ignoring infected wildlife.

“The UFU are right to demand more than aspirations. The time for talking has passed – we need a strategy that delivers. A real eradication plan must act decisively across the three essential pillars – animal welfare for both affected cattle and wildlife, farmer mental health, and the spiralling financial cost of inaction.”

Mr Butler said it was unacceptable that DAERA’s blueprint lacks targeted meaningful wildlife intervention while compensation is projected to exceed £60 million this year alone. 

“Farmers are carrying the emotional, financial and practical burden of a broken system. This isn’t just about policy – it’s about people, wellbeing, a future for our rural communities and doing the right thing now!"