Written answers
Thursday, 27 November 2025
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Animal Diseases
Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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139. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the herd incidence of bovine TB in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66458/25]
Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Bovine TB (bTB) is an ongoing challenge for Irish farmers. In recent years there has been a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. As at 16th November 2025, over a 12-month period the herd incidence is 5.87% having started to reduce in recent months.
Over time our understanding of bovine TB has increased and evolved and research has shown that our current approach to addressing disease levels on its own was not enough to control and ultimately eradicate bovine TB.
Earlier this year, I had extensive engagement with stakeholders and farming organisations to agree measures to tackle the current disease levels and in June I received the support of Government to introduce additional measures to the bovine TB programme.
On 9 September, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’. There are 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise in this action plan.
- Support herds free of bTB to remain free
- Reduce the impact of wildlife on the spread of bTB
- Detect and eliminate bTB infection as early as possible in herds with a bTB breakdown and avoid a future breakdown
- Help farmers improve all areas of on-farm biosecurity
- Reduce the impact of known high-risk animals in spreading bTB
I intend introducing some of the measures immediately in terms of communication and engagement with farmers while others will be introduced over the coming months and into 2026.
As some of these measures require work on IT systems this work is being prioritised and will be rolled out in the coming months. Farmers and all stakeholders will be notified in advance of any changes to the TB programme through communication campaigns.
I have secured an increased budget allocation for the TB programme in Budget 2026, providing a total budget of €157 million. This additional funding is vital in addressing this disease and I am confident it will help drive down the incidences of bovine TB levels in future years through the implementation of the Action Plan.
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