The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is closely monitoring a bovine tuberculosis hotspot in north Kerry and west Limerick, Minister of State Niall Collins has said, describing the recent rise in disease levels there as a matter of significant concern.
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 was very aware of the emotional and financial challenge a TB breakdown creates for farmers, their families and communities. He said bovine TB levels in north Kerry and in his own west Limerick were above the national average.
Local trend contrasts with national decline
The minister said the local increase was worrying, but that national figures had shown positive signs in recent months. He attributed the national improvement to efforts by all stakeholders to engage with farmers and reduce the risk posed by bovine TB to Irish herds and rural communities.
Under Budget 2027, more than €142 million was earmarked for bovine TB measures, Collins said. Existing valuation ceilings for reactor animals were also increased by €500. He said the overall allocation was lower, explaining that this reflected a national reduction in bovine TB of about 10.9% compared with the same time last year.
Latest department statistics, covering the 12 months to September 27, 2026, put national herd incidence at 5.40%, down from 6.08%. The number of restricted herds stood at 5,353, a decrease of 12%, while the number of reactors was more than 36,374, down 9.5%. The figures also indicated that above-average levels of disease still persisted in various regions.
Action plan and local resources
The Bovine TB Action Plan, launched in September 2025, contains some 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise, according to the minister. In April, changes to animal testing and animal movement requirements were introduced under the plan to reduce cattle-to-cattle transmission.
Collins said the national reduction reflected combined efforts by stakeholders to support farmers in lowering the risk of bTB in their herds. He expressed confidence that focusing those efforts locally, alongside the action plan and the changes introduced this year, would drive disease levels down further.
The minister said his department was monitoring the rise in TB cases in north Kerry and west Limerick on a day-to-day basis. He said he would engage with department officials on a real-time basis because the aim was to reverse the trend, given its significant impact on farmers, farm families and communities. He added that he had asked for more resources in terms of manpower to be made available to local staff to help them.