Ryan O'Meara
Question:152. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Departments policy in relation to depopulating herds for TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52254/25]
View answerWednesday, 1 October 2025
Questions (152)
Written answers
In relation to bovine TB, herd depopulation is not routinely practised. However, full or partial depopulation is considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the severity of the situation.
In certain cases where large numbers of reactors in more than one cohort group are disclosed at the breakdown test or subsequent clearance tests, immediate depopulation may be considered. A decision to fully depopulate maybe taken where the level of infection is such, despite repeated tuberculin testing, application of gamma interferon (GIF) testing, ongoing epidemiological assessment, review of testing quality, biosecurity controls and strategic removal of individual animals within the herd, the disease continues to spread.
Following depopulation, the land must not be restocked with bovine animals for a minimum of four months. A herd is required to undertake a comprehensive programme of cleaning and disinfection before restocking is allowed. Following the completion of restocking a post depopulation herd skin test is carried out.