The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) is urging its members to participate in a public consultation on bovine tuberculosis (bTB) control measures in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has opened a consultation that seeks views on potential wildlife intervention approaches, particularly regarding the role of badgers in spreading the disease.

Three key options are presented in the consultation documents, each outlining different methods for managing badger populations in affected areas. The proposals also include two methods of badger capture: the use of baited cages and the use of stopped restraints.

DAERA has published a cost-benefit analysis for all options on the consultation webpage, along with additional scientific reports that were previously unavailable.

The consultation also covers wider disease control measures outlined in the Blueprint for Eradication, including proposals for licensed lay vaccination of badgers.

Farmers and other interested parties can respond to the consultation online at daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations or by emailing TB.Consultation@daera-ni.gov.uk.