Teagasc launches new TB farmer and vet supports
Among the new supports Teagasc discusses is how to reduce badger activity in farmyards.
Following a year-long research project, new bovine TB (bTB) supports have been launched for farmers and vets.
The Teagasc project COMMTB has launched a new step-by-step guide for managing TB (tuberculosis) breakdowns in cattle herds, a series of biosecurity demonstration videos, and a practical training programme for vets.
Most recent bTB figures issued from the department report 5,300 herds restricted from June 29, 2025, to June 28, 2026, a reduction from the 6,449 reported within the same period last year.
The number of reactors has also reduced from 43,290 reported between June 30, 2024, and June 29, 2025, to 34,885 between June 29, 2025, and June 28, 2026.
The supports were created following a year-long research project examining how farmers and vets experience TB outbreaks on Irish farms.
The project found that farmers frequently feel overwhelmed, particularly during their first TB breakdown and may lack clear guidance and trusted advice at the point they need it most.
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The project consulted private veterinary practitioners and farmers to identify the most effective methods for communicating advice and information during TB risks and outbreaks.
The biosecurity demonstration videos were produced in association with Siobhan Finn, veterinary inspector with DAFM's Ruminant Animal Health Programmes Division, and Teagasc Moorepark staff, Stuart Childs (dairy specialist) and John Paul Murphy (farm manager).
The material developed by Teagasc in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and funded by the department was designed in direct response to the research’s findings.
What's new:
- A step-by-step guide for farmers managing a TB breakdown.
- A series of on-farm biosecurity demonstration videos, filmed at Teagasc Moorepark, showing practical measures such as reducing badger access to farmyards.
- A practical TB biosecurity training programme for vets, already piloted with private veterinary practitioners at Teagasc Moorepark farm.
- An information pack for vets to share with herdowners when a reactor animal is found during testing.
- A set of farmer-led recommendations on improving TB communication channels, fed back to DAFM to inform future supports.
Farmers managing a TB breakdown can also contact the dedicated TB telephone helpline on 045 873580, recently introduced by the department as part of the bTB Action Plan.
"Our research highlighted that many farmers feel uncertain and overwhelmed when managing TB, particularly during their first outbreak," said Dr Áine Regan, the Teagasc social scientist who led the COMMTB project.
"Working closely with farmers and private veterinary practitioners (PVPs), we identified practical recommendations to improve TB communications, shared these directly with DAFM, and collaborated with policymakers to develop and test prototype communication approaches based on farmers' and PVPs’ experiences and needs."
Minister for agriculture, Martin Heydon, welcomed the outcome of the project: "This work demonstrates the importance of a collaborative approach to researching issues in a practical manner and producing outcomes which can assist farmers and vets in their everyday lives. It builds on several of the actions contained in the bTB Action Plan I launched last year."
