DAERA extends public consultation on wildlife options to tackle bovine TB in Northern Ireland

# What changed Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has extended a public consultation on potential wildlife interventions to help tackle bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Northern Ireland. The consultation now closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026 — two weeks later than previously scheduled.

# Why DAERA extended the deadline DAERA published a scientific report that had previously been unavailable but is referenced in the consultation materials. The department said it decided to give consultees extra time so individuals and organisations could consider that report alongside the other documents before finalising responses.

# What the consultation covers The consultation asks for views on a range of potential wildlife intervention options that could contribute to the long-term eradication of bTB in Northern Ireland. It forms part of the wider document titled Bovine Tuberculosis in Northern Ireland: Blueprint for Eradication. The consultation also invites comments on the broader blueprint and on proposals relating to licensed lay vaccination of badgers.

# Documents now available All consultation documents, including the newly released scientific report, are available on the DAERA consultation webpage. The department specifically highlighted that the report had not been available earlier and that its publication prompted the decision to extend the consultation period.

# Who can respond and how Anyone — individuals, organisations, industry stakeholders, and members of the public — may submit responses. Those who already responded before the extension are allowed to submit further comments up to the new closing date.

Responses must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on October 9, 2026. The consultation webpage contains the full set of documents and submission instructions.

# Why this matters for farmers and stakeholders

# What to watch next

• DAERA will review submitted responses after the closing date and proceed with next steps toward implementing parts of the Blueprint for Eradication where appropriate.
• Any policy changes or pilot programmes that follow this consultation are likely to reference the submitted evidence and the scientific report now available on the consultation page.

# Practical next steps for interested parties

• Read the consultation documents and the newly published scientific report on DAERA's consultation webpage.
• Prepare submissions that refer directly to the report and to the blueprint proposals if you want your response considered in context.
• If you already submitted feedback, consider whether the newly published report changes or adds to your original comments, and submit an update before 5:00 p.m. on October 9, 2026.