TB numbers at the end of June 2017 were marginally improved compared with the same time last year.

At national level, both herd incidence and the average number of reactors per 1,000 tests (APT) were slightly lower. Although small, these changes continue the lowering of herd incidence and APT evident in recent years.

National herd incidence was 2.77% for the first half of this year, down from 2.81% for last year. APT was 1.62, down from 1.67 for the first half of 2016.

There were some changes among the blackspot counties. The figures for Co Wicklow improved. Herd incidence in west Wicklow was 10.74%, down from 12.61% a year ago. APT in west Wicklow was 6.90, down from 9.03.

In east Wicklow, herd incidence was 5.57%, down from 5.63%. APT in east Wicklow was 3.97, down from 5.68.

However, figures for a number of other counties went the opposite way.

Herd incidence rose in Cavan, Kildare, Wexford, Westmeath and Cork. Herd incidence fell in counties Meath, Monaghan and Offaly.

Fewer herds

The number of herds in the country in mid-2017 was 114,698, down by 1,051 on 2016.

The number of herds tested was 55,812, which was 134 fewer than in 2016. The number of cattle on hand was 7,268,234, up by 130,724 head. The number of TB tests carried out was 4,170,333, an increase of 158,594.

At the end of June 2017, the number of herds restricted was 1,780, which was 62 more than in mid-2016. The statistics are published by the Department of Agriculture.