The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is closely monitoring a bovine tuberculosis hotspot in north Kerry and west Limerick, where disease levels are running above the national average, Minister of State Niall Collins has said.
Speaking at the Listowel Food Fair Farming Seminar on Monday, November 9, Collins told a large gathering of farmers at the Listowel Arms Hotel that the department is "very aware of the emotional and financial challenge" a TB breakdown places on farmers, their families and their communities.
"I know that there has been a worrying rise in the levels of bovine TB in north Kerry and in my own west Limerick which is above the national average and it's an issue that we're monitoring and one that is of significant concern," he said.
Funding and valuation ceilings
Collins said more than €142 million was earmarked for bovine TB measures under Budget 2027, while existing valuation ceilings were increased by €500 for reactor animals.
He explained that the overall allocation is lower than before because the national picture has improved, with a reduction in bovine TB of about 10.9% compared with the same time last year.
According to the minister, the recent local increase is worrying, but nationally there have been positive signs in recent months. He attributed that progress to the efforts of all stakeholders in engaging with farmers to reduce the risk the disease poses to Irish herds and rural communities.
He said the department's continued focus is on reducing disease levels, which would in turn reduce the impact on farm families, cut the cost of the programme and lower costs for farmers and taxpayers.
National figures and action plan
The Bovine TB Action Plan, launched in September 2025, contains some 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise. In April, a number of changes to animal testing and animal movement requirements were introduced to reduce cattle-to-cattle transmission.
Latest department statistics, covering the 12 months to September 27, 2026, show:
- National herd incidence of 5.40%, down from 6.08%
- 5,353 herds restricted, down 12%
- More than 36,374 reactors, down 9.5%
Collins said the national reduction reflects the combined efforts of all stakeholders in engaging with and supporting farmers. He added that he is confident that focusing these efforts locally, alongside the action plan and the changes introduced this year, will drive disease levels down further.
However, the figures also indicate that above-average levels of the disease persist in various regions across the country.
Day-to-day monitoring
The minister told Agriland that the department is monitoring the rise in TB cases in north Kerry and west Limerick on a day-to-day basis. He said he will be engaging with his officials in the department in real time because the aim is to reverse the trend, given its significant impact on farmers, farm families and communities.
Collins added that he has asked for more resources in terms of manpower to be made available to local staff to help them.