The deadline for the TB eradication strategy and implementation action plan by the TB Strategic Partnership Group (TBSPG) has been extended from the original date of 31 December 2015.

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill confirmed this week that TBSPG chair Sean Hogan had written to her stating that it was not possible for the group to meet the deadline.

“I have, therefore, agreed to an extension of several months to allow the TBSPG secure some independent socio-economic analysis of possible options and recommendations,” she said.

Hogan is to write to Minister O’Neill again in March 2016 to update her on progress and indicate when the final plan will be available.

The TBSPG involves five independent members that were appointed between July and October last year by Minister O’Neill to develop a strategy for progressive reduction of TB in cattle in NI with eventual eradication.