Bovine tuberculosis (TB) levels in north Kerry and west Limerick are above the national average and remain a significant concern, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Niall Collins has said.
Speaking at the Listowel Food Fair Farming Seminar at the Listowel Arms Hotel on Monday, November 9, Collins told a large gathering of regional farmers that the department is closely monitoring the local rise. He said the department is very aware of the emotional and financial challenge a TB breakdown creates for farmers, their families and their communities.
Collins said the increase in north Kerry and in his own west Limerick is worrying and above the national average. He told Agriland that the department is monitoring the situation on a day-to-day basis and that he will engage with officials in real time in an effort to reverse the trend. He added that he has requested more manpower for local staff.
National figures show improvement
According to the latest department statistics, national herd incidence over the 12 months to September 27, 2026 was 5.40%, down from 6.08%. The number of restricted herds fell by 12% to 5,353, while the number of reactors fell by 9.5% to more than 36,374.
The minister said the national reduction reflected combined efforts by stakeholders to engage with and support farmers in lowering the risk of TB in their herds and in reducing the risk it poses to Irish herds and rural communities. He added that above-average disease levels still persist in various regions, including north Kerry and west Limerick.
Funding and action plan
Under Budget 2027, more than €142 million has been earmarked for bovine TB measures, and existing valuation ceilings for reactor animals have been increased by €500. Collins said the overall allocation is lower because national TB levels are about 10.9% lower than at the same time last year.
He said the department's continued focus is on reducing disease levels, which should in turn reduce the impact on farm families, the cost of the programme and costs for farmers and taxpayers. He expressed confidence that concentrating efforts locally, alongside the Bovine TB Action Plan and changes introduced this year, will drive disease levels down further.
The Bovine TB Action Plan was launched in September 2025 and contains about 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise. In April, changes were introduced to animal testing and animal movement requirements to reduce cattle-to-cattle transmission of TB.