The number of bovine TB reactors identified during herd tests up to the mid-way point of the year stood at just under 8,900, which is approximately 15% behind the reactor trajectory last year, Department of Agriculture figures show. The equivalent number for 2021 stood at over 10,450 when calculated on a pro rata basis.

There were 1,983 newly restricted herds from the beginning of the year. A total of 4,675 herds had been restricted over the entirety of 2021.

Cork, the county with the highest number of reactors in both years, saw 1,584 reactors in the first half of this year, down from what would equate to 2,410 in 2021 on a year-to-date basis.

Counties Donegal, Roscommon and Cavan are all showing favourable trends, compared to last year, in TB numbers so far this year.

The data also shows, however, that a third of counties have a higher number of reactors per month when compared to last year. Co Wexford has already exceeded the total number of reactors identified in 2021.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue provided the figures in response to a question put by Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy.

North-south co-operation

On TB control in border counties, the Department told the Irish Farmers Journal that it meets “generally every six months” with its Northern Ireland counterpart - the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

It stated that topics such as TB incidence, reactor numbers, scientific research, policy updates and strategy development are discussed at these cross-departmental meetings.

The Department spokesperson added that there is “frequent informal communication” between agricultural officials north and south of the border.