The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is closely monitoring a bovine tuberculosis (TB) hotspot across 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 at the Listowel Arms Hotel on Monday, November 9, Collins told a large gathering of farmers from across the region that the rise in TB locally was "of significant concern" and was being tracked by his department.
The minister said he was "very aware of the emotional and financial challenge" that a TB breakdown creates for farmers, their families and their communities, describing the local trend as worrying while stressing that the picture nationally had improved.
Funding and valuation changes
Collins said just over €142 million has been earmarked for bovine TB measures under Budget 2027, and that existing valuation ceilings for reactor animals have been raised by €500. He explained that the lower overall allocation reflects a national reduction in bovine TB of about 10.9% compared with the same point last year.
Action plan and testing rules
The Bovine TB Action Plan, launched in September 2025, sets out around 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise. In April, changes were introduced to animal testing and animal movement requirements aimed at reducing transmission of the disease from cattle to cattle.
National figures
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, a fall of 12%;
- More than 36,374 reactors, down 9.5%.
Despite that improvement, above-average levels of the disease persist in several regions, including north Kerry and west Limerick.
Collins attributed the national decline to the combined efforts of all stakeholders in engaging with and supporting farmers to reduce risk in their herds. He said he was confident that focusing those efforts locally, alongside the action plan and the changes introduced this year, would drive disease levels down further.
The minister said the department's continued focus is on reducing disease levels, which would in turn lessen the impact of TB on farm families, cut the cost of the programme and reduce costs for farmers and taxpayers.
He told Agriland that his department is monitoring the rise in cases in north Kerry and west Limerick on a day-to-day basis, and that he would engage with officials on a real-time basis in an effort to reverse the trend, given its impact on farmers, farm families and communities. He added that he has asked for more manpower to be made available to local staff.