The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has today (Monday, May 12) been urged not to "simply push through measures opposed by farmers" in relation to proposals to address increasing bovine tuberculosis (TB) rates, by a TD.

The Independent Offaly TD, Carol Nolan, said that the "lukewarm reaction" from various farmer representative organisations following a "stakeholder summit" last week, called by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon on TB, should be acknowledged.

According to latest DAFM statistics TB disease levels have increased significantly in recent years.

Herd incidence has gone from 4.31% in 2022 to 6.04% in 2024, a 36% increase in the number of herds restricted between 2022 and 2024.

Minister Minister Heydon said last week following the summit that the "most effective way to mitigate the impact of this disease on farm families is to reduce its incidence and the potential of spread between herds".

But he also warned that this "will involve some difficult decisions"

Deputy Noland is concerned that this could result in DAFM pushing through "measures" that are opposed by farmers who are most impacted by the spread of TB.

“Given the anticipated increase in reactor numbers it absolutely vital that government provides cast-iron guarantees that any additional mandatory testing will be paid for in full by the Department of Agriculture, including the pre/post movement 30-day test.

“We have to remember that these proposals are coming in the context of an expected reduction in the number of cattle available for supply this year," Deputy Nolan said.

The TD said that while she accepts that Minister Heydon "is being proactive" on TB she wants to ensure that farmers' voices are also heard and taken on board.

"The farmers on the ground are the experts here.”

“This is a looming threat to farmers economic viability, and it needs to be addressed immediately,” Deputy Nolan added.