Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Niall Collins has said bovine tuberculosis (TB) levels in north Kerry and west Limerick are above the national average and are being monitored closely by his department.
Speaking at the Listowel Food Fair Farming Seminar, Collins described the local rise as “a worrying” development and “of significant concern.” He said the department is very aware of the emotional and financial challenge a TB breakdown creates for farmers, their families and their communities.
National figures show improvement
Collins set the local alert against an improving national backdrop. Department statistics covering the 12 months to September 27, 2026 show:
- National herd incidence of 5.40%, down from 6.08%;
- 5,353 restricted herds, a decrease of 12%;
- More than 36,374 reactors, down 9.5%.
He said the national reduction reflects the combined efforts of all stakeholders in engaging with and supporting farmers to lower the risk of bovine TB in their herds. Above-average levels nevertheless persist in various regions, including north Kerry and west Limerick.
Budget and action plan
Under Budget 2027, more than €142 million has been earmarked for bovine TB measures, Collins said. Existing valuation ceilings for reactor animals have also been increased by €500. He explained that the overall allocation is lower because national bovine TB levels are about 10.9% lower than at the same time last year.
The Bovine TB Action Plan, launched in September 2025, contains some 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 cattle-to-cattle transmission.
Collins said the department’s continued focus is on reducing disease levels, which would in turn reduce the impact on farm families, the cost of the programme and costs for farmers and taxpayers.
Local monitoring continues
The minister said the department is monitoring the rise in TB cases in north Kerry and west Limerick on a day-to-day basis. He said he would engage with departmental officials on a real-time basis in an effort to reverse the trend, citing the 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. While national trends have improved, the local hotspot remains a significant concern, and the department says it is focusing efforts locally alongside the action plan and this year’s changes to drive disease levels down further.