The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) is urging farmers to avail of free veterinary advice available under the 2026 Biosecurity Targeted Advisory Service for Animal Health (TASAH) scheme.

This scheme, launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon earlier this week, aims to support farmers to assess and implement biosecurity measures on their farms.

ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair John Barron is encouraging cattle and sheep farmers to make use of the free veterinary advice.

“This scheme gives farmers access to veterinary advice at no cost. It's there to be used and farmers should make the most of it," he said.

The scheme includes a farm visit and consultation with a trained veterinary practitioner covering parasite control, TB (tuberculosis) biosecurity and disease prevention measures.

Barron said the scheme is relevant to all livestock farmers, including beef, suckler and sheep farmers: “These types of programmes are often associated with dairy farming, but the advice available is just as useful for drystock farmers.

"Farmers can also use the consultation to discuss vaccination programmes and other herd health measures with their vet.”

He said an independent veterinary assessment can help spot issues farmers may not have noticed.

“Good biosecurity is an important part of keeping disease out of a farm and anything that helps farmers strengthen it is worth taking up," he added.

"These free consultations can show farmers practical measures that improve animal health and reduce disease risks.”

Farmers interested in taking part should contact their veterinary practitioner for further information on the consultations available.

The ICSA is also reminding farmers that the closing date for applications under the On-Farm Badger Biosecurity Scheme is Sunday, June 7.

“Anything that helps reduce TB risk is worth checking out. Farmers should take a look at what the scheme has to offer and get their applications in before the deadline,” he said.