138. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of herds currently restricted for TB in which cattle were purchased in the previous two years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27359/24]

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a challenging disease to control and eradicate. I am committed to making real progress in eradicating TB as I am aware of the financial and emotional trauma associated with a TB breakdown for farmers

The table below outlines the number of herds restricted for TB in which cattle were purchased in the previous two years prior to the date of restriction of those herds.

Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme is guided by national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of TB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principal causes of TB introduction and spread include:

• movement of infected cattle with undetected infection.

• residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB.

• spread across farm boundaries from infected cattle to uninfected cattle.

• indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or

• spread from infected badgers to uninfected cattle.

As of 16th June 2024, on a 12-month rolling basis, herd incidence increased to 5.12% compared to 4.62% at the same time last year. In the past 12 months 5,242 herds were restricted, compared to 4,776 in the previous 12-month period.

Larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds that buy in cattle are all more at risk of TB breakdown. In addition, the expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has had an impact on increasing TB levels also.

As the spread of this disease is multifactorial, it is being fought on many fronts. The TB programme in each county focuses on factors including how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors and wildlife.

Each TB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving three or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on the biosecurity measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on their farm, including when buying in animals.

I am committed to reducing TB incidence rates across the country. Since I launched the TB Strategy in 2021 stakeholders have been working collectively and collegiately to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd.

The details of the TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie .