The EU’s current animal disease strategy is not fit for purpose given a recent surge in infection rates across Europe, MEP Maria Walsh has said.
MEP Maria Walsh is calling on the European Commission to update the current strategy for tackling animal diseases given the rise of infection rates in countries across the EU, including Ireland. MEP Walsh has called for the updated strategy to include particular reference to the challenges faced on the island of Ireland and the need for action on both sides of the border.
MEP Walsh is a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, on which she is the standing rapporteur for UK matters. In this role, MEP Walsh leads discussions and policy on agriculture related issues affecting relations between the EU and United Kingdom.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“The rise of animal disease has the potential to ravage farms, and is emerging as one of the top agriculture concerns in the EU. From Germany’s recent first case of foot-and-mouth disease in nearly 40 years, to Slovakia and Hungary’s first case in 50 years, and the serious risks of infection spreading to Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic.
“For Irish farmers, our battle is against the spread of bovine TB, with the incidence rate shooting up in the past year. In the year to March 2025, there were 41,548 cases detected – an increase of over 11,600 on the previous 12 months. As Minister Heydon has said himself, if we fail to intervene, that figure could reach 60,000 in the coming years.
“The fear of TB hangs over the heads of thousands of farmers across Ireland; in the 12 months to March 2025, 6,163 herds were restricted as a result of an outbreak of bovine TB.
“Along with the logistical nightmare presented by TB, the financial costs associated with the loss of a herd can be devastating for family farmers. In 2021, direct costs of bovine TB were estimated at €105 million.
“I have met with farm organisations and vets both in Ireland and Northern Ireland and their message is clear; eradication efforts take serious control measures and proper funding. I also met a group of 25 Irish farmers with the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) in Brussels this week and they shared similar concerns.
“However, as it currently stands, Ireland is not receiving any EU funding for animal disease eradication programmes. I asked the Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Oliver Varhelyi, what kind of support he envisages for eradication for countries faced with outbreaks of animal diseases on their farms.
“Ultimately, the Commission’s current strategy for preventing and tackling animal disease is not fit for purpose. I am calling on the Commission to urgently review and update the strategy, to save the lives of our animals and the livelihoods of our farmers.”
