Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of the new Bovine TB Action Plan.
Minister Canney said: “Bovine TB continues to cause serious emotional and financial hardship for thousands of farm families across the country, including in the West. Over 6,000 farm families were affected by a bTB outbreak in 2024. This Action Plan represents an important step in tackling the high levels of disease and in providing farmers with the tools and supports they need to both protect their herds and deal with outbreaks when they occur. I strongly welcome the focus on protecting herds that are currently TB-free, while also addressing the root causes of disease spread.”
The Action Plan is built around five high-level measures, underpinned by 30 specific actions:
- Supporting TB-free herds to remain free – with stronger biosecurity, genetic breeding for resistance, pre-movement testing of dairy cows, and clearer information for farmers when purchasing cattle.
- Reducing the impact of wildlife – through targeted badger vaccination or removal, agile wildlife surveys, financial support for on-farm biosecurity, and continued collaboration on deer management.
- Detecting and eliminating infection early in breakdown herds – including wider use of Gamma Interferon blood testing which helps identify hidden infection, mandatory testing in larger herds, more regular follow-up tests in repeat breakdowns, and stricter quality checks to ensure accurate testing.
- Helping farmers strengthen on-farm biosecurity – with tailored Risk Mitigation Plans, free veterinary advice through TASAH, peer-to-peer learning in Teagasc discussion groups, and stricter enforcement for high-risk herd types such as Controlled Finishing Units.
- Reducing the impact of high-risk animals – restricting movements from exposed cohorts in large herds after breakdowns, encouraging safer purchases, supporting dairy farms by easing calf movements under controlled conditions, and facilitating special sales of cull cows from restricted herds under strict biosecurity.
Minister Canney added: “This plan is grounded in veterinary expertise and scientific research. It recognises the three main sources of outbreaks — cattle-to-cattle transmission, residual infection within herds, and wildlife. By addressing each of these in a practical and targeted way, we can start to turn the tide against TB. Farmers need to see progress and reassurance that this disease can be brought under control, and this Action Plan gives a clear framework for doing so.”
Concluding Minister Canney said: “If we continue to work together, we can protect farm families, safeguard rural livelihoods, and move steadily towards the ultimate goal of eradicating bovine TB from Ireland.”
More information on the Action Plan is available here: www.bovinetb.ie
