Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 July 2025
200. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 20 May 2025, how he intends to “reduce the impact of known high risk animals in spreading bTB”; if he is referring to badgers in this sentence; to outline those measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36434/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine TB is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. In recent years, bovine TB (bTB) levels have continued to deteriorate.
Herd incidence has increased from 4.31% in 2022 to 6.04% in 2024, resulting in a 36% increase in the number of herds restricted between 2022 and 2024. As of 22nd June 2025, over a 12 month period we had a herd incidence of 6.43 % with over 43,455 reactors. This disease is having an impact on our farmers and their families both financially and emotionally throughout rural Ireland. This cannot be allowed to continue. It is important that all sources of infection are addressed to help eradicate this disease - cattle to cattle, residual infection and wildlife, including badgers.
Following extensive discussions at the TB Forum, I met TB stakeholders on 8 May and farming organisations on 22 May with a view to agreeing an action plan for bovine TB on the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of bTB on farm families and to reduce herd incidence and spread of the disease. It was clear at these meetings that there is an appetite for change to the bTB programme.
At these meetings I presented 5 key pillars to address the current rates of bTB:
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 TB 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 am currently considering in the context of an Action Plan how best to address this to reduce the risk of spreading bTB from herd to herd through animal movements.
At a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday 24th June I received the approval of government to address the current high level of bovine TB.
I want to move promptly to implement this TB plan, and I am confident this plan will help to contribute to a more effective programme that protects farmers and their families from this disease.
I will ensure that any measures adopted are based on the best scientific and veterinary advice. Through strong leadership by all involved in the programme and by working together we can take the necessary measures to protect farmers livelihoods from bTB.
