A Growing Concern for Irish Farmers: The Surge in TB Reactors and What You Can Do About It

Introduction

For generations, Ireland’s farmers have prided themselves on raising some of the finest cattle in the world. Yet, for many, the growing threat of bovine tuberculosis (TB) feels like an uphill battle that’s getting harder to win. This year, the number of TB reactors – cattle that test positive for TB – has surged to an alarming 41,630, a staggering 44% increase from the 28,901 cases recorded in 2023. It’s a worrying statistic that threatens not only the health of Ireland’s herds but also the livelihoods and futures of countless farming families.

To put this into perspective, since the year 2000, nearly 600,000 cattle have been culled because of TB. For farmers, these aren’t just numbers – every infected cow represents lost income, dashed hopes, and yet another burden on an already challenging profession. Add to this the mounting costs of managing outbreaks and stricter regulations, and it’s no wonder many farmers feel like they’re fighting a losing battle.

So, what’s behind this sharp increase, and what can farmers do to protect their herds? Let’s break it down.

Why Are TB Cases Rising?

TB isn’t a new issue for Irish agriculture, but several factors are making it harder to control:

1. Contract-Rearing and the Risk of Disease Spread

Contract-rearing – where farmers send young stock to other farms for rearing – has become increasingly common. While it’s often a practical solution for managing herd numbers, it comes with risks. If cattle are moved to farms with poor biosecurity or a history of TB, the disease can quickly spread. Veterinary inspectors have warned that introducing cattle from outside herds is one of the key ways TB reinfections occur.

2. Badgers: A Persistent Problem

Badgers have long been recognised as carriers of TB, and their interaction with cattle is a major contributor to reinfections. Recent studies confirm that a significant portion of TB outbreaks stem from contact with badgers, as well as other wildlife. This is particularly challenging for farms located near badger setts or in areas with high wildlife activity.

3. Breeding Practices

While not as immediately visible, breeding practices play a crucial role in TB resistance. Bulls with low resistance to TB are still being used for artificial insemination (AI), which can undermine herd resilience over time. Genetic testing now makes it possible to choose bulls with higher resistance, but adoption of this technology has been slow.

What Does This Mean for Farmers?

For farmers, these challenges mean added pressure to make difficult decisions. The costs of controlling TB – both financial and emotional – are significant. For many, the sight of a culled cow or the thought of a herd-wide outbreak is heartbreaking.

But there’s good news too: there are practical steps you can take to protect your herd and reduce your risk. With a little extra vigilance and planning, you can safeguard your animals and your livelihood. Here are some tips to help you stay ahead.

Practical Tips for Farmers:

1. Source Cattle Carefully

Introducing new cattle to your herd? Make sure you know their full health history and ensure they’re coming from a TB-free farm. Your local vet can help verify this and guide you through the process. It’s also a good idea to avoid purchasing cattle from areas with high TB incidence rates.

Cost: TB testing typically costs around €5–€10 per animal, but this is often subsidised by government schemes. A vet consultation will set you back approximately €50–€100, depending on your location. While this adds up, it’s a small price to pay compared to the losses an outbreak could bring.

 
2. Strengthen Your Biosecurity

Strong biosecurity measures can make a huge difference. Start by fencing off areas where badgers are likely to roam and ensuring feed and water sources are secure. Limit vehicle and visitor access to your farm, particularly if they’ve recently been on other farms.

Cost: Wildlife-proof fencing costs around €5–€10 per metre, depending on the material and labour required. Disinfectants for cattle housing cost about €50–€100 per 20-litre drum.

 
3. Choose Bulls with Strong TB Resistance

Breeding for TB resistance is a long-term strategy but an effective one. When purchasing semen for AI, prioritise bulls with high resistance scores. Genetic testing can also help you identify which of your current cattle have the strongest resistance.

Cost: High-resistance semen costs between €20–€60 per straw, and genetic testing is around €25–€50 per animal.

 
4. Be Careful with Contract-Rearing

If you need to send cattle for contract-rearing, only work with farms that are certified TB-free. Put clear agreements in place to ensure biosecurity measures are followed, and avoid moving cattle to areas with known wildlife risks.

Cost: Transporting cattle safely costs €100–€300 per trip, and additional TB testing before and after rearing costs around €10–€20 per animal.

 
5. Monitor and Test Regularly

Early detection is key to preventing the spread of TB. Work with your vet to develop a regular testing schedule and take full advantage of any government support programmes for TB testing.

Cost: Routine TB testing costs €3–€5 per animal when subsidised. Blood tests for suspected cases cost around €20–€30 each.

Why Prevention is Worth the Investment

When you compare the cost of prevention to the potential financial impact of an outbreak, the numbers really do speak for themselves. Losing a single cow to culling can cost between €1,500 and €2,000 – and that’s before considering the disruption to your daily operations, the downtime while your herd is retested, and the emotional toll it can take. In the worst-case scenario, a farm-wide outbreak requiring extensive culling and retesting could easily cost upwards of €10,000, depending on the size of your herd. The consequences of such an event can extend well beyond finances, impacting herd quality, productivity, and your overall peace of mind.

By contrast, taking proactive steps to prevent outbreaks is far more manageable and offers significant long-term benefits. Implementing robust biosecurity measures – such as ensuring clean water supplies, securing fencing to limit wildlife exposure, and maintaining proper hygiene – typically costs between €500 and €2,000 per year. Similarly, investing in TB-resistant breeding practices not only strengthens your herd’s resilience but also contributes to its overall health and productivity.

When you consider the numbers, prevention is clearly the smarter choice. These measures don’t just help you avoid the steep costs and stress of an outbreak; they also give you the confidence of knowing your herd is well protected. More importantly, they represent an investment in the long-term viability and sustainability of your farm. Taking preventative action today ensures that your farm can thrive tomorrow. Prevention isn’t just worthwhile – it’s essential.
 

Conclusion

A Shared Responsibility: Collaboration is Key

Farmers aren’t in this fight alone. Combating TB requires a collaborative effort from farmers, veterinarians, researchers, and policymakers. Government initiatives like the Wildlife Programme and genetic resistance research provide invaluable support, but it’s up to all of us to work together and share best practices.

At The Informed Farmer Consultancy, we’re here to help. Whether it’s developing a biosecurity plan, exploring breeding strategies, or navigating government regulations, we offer personalised advice to protect your herd and your future. We understand the challenges you face because we work with farmers just like you every day.

If you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can build a more sustainable and secure future for Irish farming.

 
Would you like help implementing any of these strategies or exploring funding options? We’d love to hear from you. Let’s tackle TB together.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.