Bovine tuberculosis (TB) levels in north Kerry and west Limerick are above the national average, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is monitoring the local increase closely, Minister of State Niall Collins said at the Listowel Food Fair Farming Seminar.
Speaking at the Listowel Arms Hotel on Monday, November 9, Collins told a large gathering of farmers that the department is very aware of the emotional and financial challenge a bovine TB breakdown creates for farm families and communities. He described the rise in north Kerry and in his own west Limerick as worrying and of significant concern, and said it was an issue the department was monitoring.
National figures show improvement
The latest departmental statistics, covering the 12 months to September 27, 2026, show national herd incidence at 5.40%, down from 6.08%. Collins said the national reduction of about 10.9% compared with the same time last year reflected efforts by all stakeholders to reduce risk.
- Restricted herds: 5,353, down 12%.
- Reactors: more than 36,374, down 9.5%.
He cautioned that above-average disease levels persist in several regions. The local increase in north Kerry and west Limerick therefore stands out against the improving national picture and has become a particular focus for the department.
Action plan and budget
Under Budget 2027, more than €142 million has been earmarked for bovine TB measures, while existing valuation ceilings for reactor animals have been increased by €500. Collins said the overall allocation is lower because the national disease burden has eased.
The Bovine TB Action Plan, launched in September 2025, contains about 30 actions underpinned by scientific research, evidence and veterinary expertise. Changes introduced in April altered animal testing and movement requirements in an effort to reduce cattle-to-cattle transmission.
Collins said the recent local increase is worrying even as national figures point to progress. He attributed the national improvement to engagement with farmers and other stakeholders, and said the aim was to apply that work locally alongside the action plan and the testing and movement changes introduced in April. He said the combined approach should help drive disease levels down further.
Collins said the department’s focus remains on reducing disease levels, which should in turn lessen the impact on farm families, cut programme costs and reduce costs for farmers and taxpayers. He added that the local rise is being monitored on a day-to-day basis, that he will engage with officials in real time, and that he has asked for more manpower for local staff.