Bovine tuberculosis (TB) levels in north Kerry and west Limerick are above the national average, and Minister of State Niall Collins has described the local rise as a “significant concern” while the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) monitors the area.
Speaking at the Listowel Food Fair Farming Seminar on Monday, November 9, at the Listowel Arms Hotel, Collins said the department was closely monitoring the local hotspot. He told the event that the rise was worrying.
The seminar drew a large crowd of farmers from across the region. Collins said the department was very aware of the emotional and financial challenge that a bovine TB breakdown places on farmers, their families and communities.
National picture
Collins said more than €142 million had been earmarked for bovine TB measures under Budget 2027, while existing valuation ceilings for reactor animals were increased by €500. He said the overall allocation was lower because national bovine TB levels had fallen by about 10.9% compared with the same time last year.
DAFM statistics for the 12-month period to September 27, 2026, show national herd incidence at 5.40%, down from 6.08%. The number of restricted herds stood at 5,353, a 12% decline, and the number of reactors was more than 36,374, down 9.5%.
Despite that national improvement, the minister said above-average disease levels continued in several regions. He described the local increase in north Kerry and west Limerick as a trend the department wanted to reverse. He said reversing it was important because of the impact on farmers, farm families and communities.
Action plan and local response
The Bovine TB Action Plan, launched in September 2025, sets out about 30 actions based on 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 the national reduction reflected joint efforts by stakeholders to help farmers lower risks in their herds. He added that focusing those efforts locally, alongside the action plan and this year’s changes, could drive disease levels down further.
He said the department was monitoring the rise in cases in north Kerry and west Limerick on a day-to-day basis and that he would engage with officials in real time. He also said he had asked for more manpower to be made available to local staff to support the response.
The minister said the department’s continuing focus was 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.