Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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574. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he is taking to mitigate or reduce cattle-to-cattle TB transmission across farm boundaries where neighbouring farms with two clear herd tests can be derestricted as quickly as possible to be put on sale on the open market, and to eliminate further associated costs while restricted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29364/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am acutely conscious of the mental toll and the financial cost of a TB restriction on farmers. TB is a significant burden on both farmers and the exchequer and all stakeholders need to remain focused on reducing the level of bovine TB which has unfortunately increased in recent years.

Under current EU and national legislation all herds must undergo at least one annual herd screening TB test.

In herds, however, where disease has been confirmed, that herd may not be derestricted until all animals on the holding have tested negative to two consecutive TB tests at least two months apart from each other.

It is important to ensure that risk of residual infection remaining in herds that have had a TB restriction is minimised to reduce the risk of further breakdowns in that herd and to reduce the spread of TB to other herds.

Research has shown that herds contiguous (neighbouring) to a herd that is experiencing a TB breakdown, have a statistically higher risk of having TB and may require additional testing.

Reducing cattle to cattle transmission is a key element in reducing the levels of TB in our national herd. At farm level farmers can take simple biosecurity measures such as ensuring their farm boundaries are stock proof to prevent contact with cattle from neighbouring herds to reduce their risk of a TB outbreak. I have made available through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme, (TAMS), grant aid for bovine fencing which can assist farmers in improving biosecurity on their farms.

My Department puts in a range of supports for farm families that have been subject to a restriction including the On Farm Market Valuation scheme and where eligible a farmer may also be eligible for supports under the Income Supplement scheme, depopulation grant scheme and the Hardship Grant scheme.

As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors and wildlife.

Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving three or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herd owner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. The reasons for TB in certain herds and areas are multifactorial and require a range of measures to address the issue, which may include contiguous programmes, gamma interferon blood testing, cleansing and disinfection, other risk-based TB tests, and isolation of reactors. Emphasis is placed on the bio-security measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on their farm, including when buying in animals.