Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 October 2025
383. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress in tackling bovine tuberculosis; the details of the current strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52914/25]
View answerBovine TB is an ongoing challenging for Irish farmers. In recent years we have seen a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. Over 6,000 farm families were affected by a bTB outbreak in 2024 and herd incidence was at 6.04%. As at 28th September 2025, over a 12-month period, herd incidence was 6.08%, with over 40,000 reactors.
I published the Bovine TB Action Plan, "Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland", on 9 September which can be viewed at www.bovinetb.ie. The Action Plan follows extensive discussions with stakeholders in recent months. I also received support and approval from Cabinet on 24 June to address the current high levels of Bovine TB (bTB). The Action Plan is based on scientific research and veterinary expertise. There are five measures, which are underpinned by 30 actions:
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.
The aim of this Action Plan is to reset the bTB programme by putting in place the necessary measures to tackle the current disease situation. These measures are targeting both transmission between wildlife and cattle and transmission between cattle. I believe that it is vital that these measures are taken to reduce disease levels and to protect the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities.
