Latest figures published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) show that 37,964 bovine tuberculosis (TB) reactor animals were removed in the 12 months to the end of September 2024.
According to the latest quarterly report from DAFM on ‘National Bovine Tuberculosis Statistics’ this compares to 25,916 reactors that were removed in the period from October 2, 2022 to October 1, 2023.
DAFM also outlined that the total expenditure on the National Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Eradication Programme soared to €66.1 million by the end of quarter three 2024.
This is significantly higher than corresponding figures to the end of Q3 2023, when total expenditure on the National Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Eradication Programme reached €48.7 million.
The latest quarterly report from DAFM on ‘National Bovine Tuberculosis Statistics’ show that between October 1, 2023 to September 29, 2024 there were a total of 5,712 herds restricted – up from 4,868 from October 2, 2022 to October 1, 2023.
The herd incidence rate by September 29, 2024 was 5.62%.
The latest quarterly report from DAFM on TB statistics also details the breakdown on spending on the eradication programme which reflects the measures needed to deal with the jump in reactor numbers.
One of the most significant increase in costs was in relation to farmer compensation which jumped by 81% year on year and also the spend on research which increased by 81%.
TB
Last month farmers were warned not to go “chasing ghosts” when it comes to sources of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in this country by the chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Animal Health Committee, TJ Maher at a meeting in Tuam, Co. Galway.
Maher said in terms of animals spreading TB there are three main hosts in this country – badgers, deer and cattle.
Meanwhile Aoife Mulherne, an inspector from the Regional Veterinary Office (RVO), Galway, who also attended the meeting revealed that reactor numbers are continuing to rise in Ireland.
She told the meeting that latest data indicate that this has increased to 5,906 herds restricted with TB in the 12-month period between October 29, 2023 and October 27, 2024.