Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2026
261. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cattle diagnosed with signs of TB for each year from 2015 to the end of May 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44804/26]
View answerI am very aware of the emotional and financial challenge of a bovine tuberculosis (bTB) breakdown for Irish farmers, their families and rural communities. In recent years there has been a significant increase in bTB levels nationally. In 2025 there were 37,834 reactors compared with 15,317 in 2015. The table below shows the number of reactors for each year from 2015 to 2025 and from 1 January to 31 May 2026.
|
Year |
Number of Reactors |
|
1/1/26 to 31/5/26 |
11,448 |
|
2025 |
37,834 |
|
2024 |
41,682 |
|
2023 |
28,901 |
|
2022 |
23,393 |
|
2021 |
20,931 |
|
2020 |
22,614 |
|
2019 |
17,058 |
|
2018 |
17,491 |
|
2017 |
17,266 |
|
2016 |
16,914 |
|
2015 |
15,317 |
To address these high disease levels, I launched the ‘Bovine TB Action Plan: Addressing Bovine TB in Ireland’ in September 2025 it includes 5 measures and 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise. The aim of the Action Plan is to reset the TB programme by putting in place measures necessary to tackle the current disease situation.
There has been encouraging progress in recent months in reducing bTB levels. As at 31 May 2026 over a 12 month period the herd incidence was 5.34% down from 6.38% and the number of herds restricted was 5,336 down over 17% from 6,448. This is due to the combined efforts of all stakeholders in engaging with farmers to reduce the risk bTB poses to Irish herds and rural communities.
