Animal Health Council Report July 2026

TB

Latest TB figures

The 12-month rolling average number of reactors as of the 5^th of July 2026 was 34,719 down from 43,259, Number of herds restricted was 5,324 down from 6,418. The herd incidence was 5.35% down from 6.38%. Confirmed slaughter cases was 3,074 down from 3,266. 

TB Expenditure

The total expenditure of the Bovine TB Eradication programme at the end of Q2 stood at €48 million. This is a reduction of €4.5 million for the first half of 2026 compared to 2025. The total expenditure for 2025 stood in the region of €127 million, with an increased budget available for 2026 of €157 million. The increased budget available for this year and the reduced programme cost to-date provides approx. €30m in additional funding to increase the resources in the Wildlife programme and address the shortcomings in the compensation schemes for farmers which must start with removing the arbitrary and unfair ceilings of €3,000 and €5,000 in the live valuation scheme.

IFA TB Programme Priorities

• The removal of the €3,000 and €5,000 ceilings in the live valuation scheme
• Correct and consistent implementation of the TB Action Plan.
• Supports for farmers impacted by new measures in the Plan
• Review of existing compensation schemes for fitness for purpose in the new Plan
• Effective implementation of the Wildlife Programme – The tender process for additional wildlife operatives has concluded. 
• The number of capture events overall is broadly in line with 2025 for the first quarter. 
• The increased number of wildlife operatives should be in place for September. 
• A significant increase in capture events will need to take place in the last 4 months of 2026 

Bluetongue

Ireland is now in the high vector season for Bluetongue. DAFM has stood down antibody testing at factories due to the high number of vaccinated animals showing antibodies in factory surveillance. To date, no new cases of transmission this vector season have been reported. 

Bluetongue has been downgraded at EU level from a Category C disease to a Category D and E disease. While this change has been agreed, implementation will not take place until November of this year. IFA has sought clarification from the European Commission on what these changes will mean in practice, particularly for the derogation system currently in place.

The derogation system is currently working in Ireland’s favour, allowing access to our main export markets while requiring pre movement testing for imports from EU Member States with different BTV serotypes. Poland remains the exception, with Ireland having lost free access to that market. 

Trade with the UK also remains suspended, as the UK is not currently allowing imports. The UK is engaged in negotiations with the EU regarding alignment on SPS regulations, which may alter Bluetongue regulations in the future. 

Protocols for the Euthanasia of Animals on Farms

There have been a number of cases brought to our attention where animals have been euthanised on farm for welfare, traceability or disease control reasons. While we understand the need for such action in exceptional circumstances, we have concerns in relation to the lack of optimum animal welfare protocols for dealing with these incidents.

IFA has met with senior Department of Agriculture officials with responsibility for Animal Welfare and Investigations. There must be clear, consistent and transparent protocols governing how these situations are managed. 

Other than in urgent exceptional circumstances animals should be removed from farms to a suitable processing facility. 

IFA have also written to the chairman of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) on this issue.

FAWAC and FAWN

A subgroup developing calf welfare codes of practice has met several times this year. Its focus is on updating the current calf welfare guidelines. A first draft of the revised codes is not expected to be published until the end of 2026. 

The FAWN network was originally envisaged to bring all stakeholder together as an early warning system for animal welfare cases as to allow early intervention. This system has not worked in recent years. IFA have brought these concerns to the chair of FAWAC on several occasions over the past two years. 

BVD

• Based on the latest figures, Ireland remains on track to achieve legislatively recognised freedom from BVD.
• Vaccination for BVD would be prohibited if the country is formally recognised as BVD free.
• IFA does not support applying for BVD freedom recognition if vaccination is prohibited.
• IFA has called on the Department of Agriculture to seek amendments to the EU Animal Health Law that would allow vaccination in countries recognised as free for BVD.
• Enhancements to the BVD programme for 2026 and 2027 are currently under discussion within the BVDIG.
• Postage has been a significant issue during 2026, and AHI’s BVDIG is working with co-ops and An Post to develop a solution in advance of the 2027 calving season.

Johnes

The Johne’s Scientific Working Group is currently developing a simplified Johne’s programme. The Johne’s Implementation Group has not yet been involved but will be convened prior to any formal proposals being advanced. There is currently no funding structure in place for a wider national programme.

On 6 February, AHI launched the National Johne’s Monitoring Scheme (NIMS) for farmers that have recorded two BMT positives within the last three years. The proposed funding structure provides €550 in year one, €150 in year two, €550 in year three and €150 in year four. This funding is intended to cover the cost of two VRAMPs and contribute towards testing costs.

IBR

AHI’s Scientific Working Group has commenced work on developing a new IBR programme. The Implementation Group has not yet been convened, as the work remains at a very early stage. IFA’s position has not changed. The previous programme was costed at approximately €40 million over 15 years. Any new programme must have a secure funding model in place before any rollout can proceed.