Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is closely monitoring a bovine tuberculosis (TB) hotspot in north Kerry and west Limerick, where levels are above the national average, Minister of State Niall Collins said at the Listowel Food Fair Farming Seminar.
The event, held on Monday, November 9, at the Listowel Arms Hotel, attracted a large group of farmers from across the region. Collins said the department was very aware of the emotional and financial challenge that a TB breakdown creates for farmers, their families and communities.
Local rise against national improvement
Collins described the increase in north Kerry and his own west Limerick as worrying and above the national average, calling it an issue of significant concern. He said the department was monitoring it, while national figures showed positive signs. He credited stakeholders with engaging farmers to reduce the risk TB poses to Irish herds and rural communities.
As of September 27, 2026, over a 12-month period, national herd incidence was 5.40%, down from 6.08%. Restricted herds totalled 5,353, a 12% decrease, and reactors exceeded 36,374, down 9.5%. The figures covered the 12 months to that date. Above-average levels nevertheless persisted in some regions.
Budget and action plan
More than €142 million was earmarked for bovine TB measures under Budget 2027, Collins said. Existing valuation ceilings for reactor animals rose by €500. He explained that the overall allocation was lower because national TB levels were about 10.9% lower than at the same time last year.
The Bovine TB Action Plan, launched in September 2025, contains about 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise. In April, changes were introduced to animal testing and movement requirements to reduce cattle-to-cattle transmission. Collins said focusing those efforts locally, together with the action plan and this year's changes, should drive disease levels down further. The plan is part of the department's focus on reducing disease levels and the risk TB poses to Irish herds and rural communities.
Day-to-day monitoring
Collins said the department was monitoring the rise in cases in north Kerry and west Limerick on a day-to-day basis. He said he would engage with departmental officials in real time because the aim was to reverse the trend, which has a significant impact on farmers, farm families and communities. He added that he had asked for more manpower for local staff.
The minister's remarks present a dual picture: improving national TB indicators alongside a concentrated local problem that remains above average. The department's stated focus is on reducing disease levels, which it says would reduce the burden on farm families, lower programme costs and cut costs for farmers and taxpayers.