ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair and Ballyconnell native Hugh Farrell has acknowledged the progress being made in controlling wild deer populations following the publication of the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group`s report in recent weeks.
To help address several issues the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group was established in September 2022 and was set up to lead the development of a renewed vision and strategy for the management of wild deer in Ireland. The ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair says this report is a positive development, not just in our battle against TB, but for tackling a huge range of problems that have emerged as a consequence of the unchecked and ever-expanding wild deer population.
He says uncontrolled deer growth adversely impacts biodiversity, road safety, and agriculture and that it was imperative that we act on the recommendations laid out in this report. The Ballyconnell native says this has been an uphill battle but he hopes the issues will be dealt with as soon as possible.
"By addressing the challenges posed by the deer population, we can take proactive steps to safeguard the health and welfare of our livestock when it comes to TB. It will also benefit our tillage and forestry enterprises, go towards protecting biodiversity, and contribute to road safety. It is a positive for farmers and for all rural dwellers and visitors to our rural communities. It is crucial that the recommendations contained in the reported are now acted upon and that the finance necessary to implement those recommendations is provided without delay."
