The meeting comes as figures reveal a significant deterioration in TB incidence, with herd restrictions rising by 36% in just two years—from 4.31% in 2022 to 6.04% in 2024. The Minister described the situation as the most serious setback in over two decades, warning that bovine TB has reached levels last seen in 2003.
The Minister warned Ireland has “reached a crossroads in our efforts to control and ultimately eradicate bovine TB.
“An increasing number of farm families are facing the emotional and financial hardship of a TB breakdown,” said Minister Heydon. “The stark reality is that we have reached a crossroads in our efforts to control and ultimately eradicate bovine TB.”
The Minister emphasised the urgency of coordinated action, stating that failure to address the disease now could lead to broader consequences for rural communities and the agri-food sector.
“If left unchecked, this disease will impact many more families throughout rural Ireland and reduce output at both farm and processor levels,” he said.
The meeting of stakeholders will take place next Thursday.
Heydon confirmed that he would present proposals for a revamped TB eradication plan after the summit, developed in consultation with scientific and veterinary experts. “We must take a robust, science-based approach. If we do, we can not only halt the current increase but begin to make progress again towards eradication.”
Leadership and cooperation will be key, he stressed. “Leadership will be required across every level of the sector, including within my own Department, to ensure we implement the most effective measures.”
The Minister also paid tribute to those involved in the daily fight against TB, from affected farmers to veterinary practitioners and Department staff. “I want to place on the record my recognition of all those who are either dealing directly with this disease or supporting those most affected.”
Speaking to the Farming Independent recently the Minister said he has “given the opportunity and space to the TB forum to come up with proposals, to discuss them and debate them”.
“I will now look at the next steps, but there is an urgency here, and I’m going to take very clear action.
“We have a 32pc increase in the number of herds restricted between 2022 and 2024 and this resulted in exchequer expenditure going from €74m in 2013 to €100m last year.
“We needed a supplementary allocation in the Budget for it and I currently don’t have enough money budgeted for it. So I’m going to have to find more money to cover this.”
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