A new step-by-step guide for managing TB breakdowns in cattle herds has been launched by Teagasc in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health Ireland (AHI).

The materials were designed by Teagasc in response to a year-long research project called COMMTB, funded by the Department of Agriculture.

The research examined how farmers and vets experience TB outbreaks on Irish farms.

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Private veterinary practitioners and farmers were consulted to identify the most effective methods for communicating advice and information during TB risks and outbreaks.

It was found that farmers frequently feel overwhelmed, particularly during a first TB breakdown, and may lack clear guidance and trusted advice at the point they need it most.

The guide includes:

  • Step-by-step guide for farmers managing a TB breakdown.
  • Series of on-farm biosecurity demonstration videos, filmed at Teagasc Moorepark, showing practical measures such as reducing badger access to farmyards.
  • Practical TB biosecurity training programme for vets, already piloted with private veterinary practitioners at Teagasc Moorepark farm.
  • Information pack for vets to share with herd owners when a reactor animal is found during testing.
  • Set of farmer-led recommendations on improving TB communication channels, fed back to the Department of Agriculture to inform future supports.

    • Helpline

    Farmers managing a TB breakdown can also contact the dedicated TB telephone helpline on 045-873 580, recently introduced by the Department as part of the bTB Action Plan.

    All materials are free to access on the Teagasc website.

    "Our research highlighted that many farmers feel uncertain and overwhelmed when managing TB, particularly during their first outbreak," said Áine Regan, the Teagasc social scientist who led the COMMTB project.

    "Working closely with farmers and private veterinary practitioners (PVPs), we identified practical recommendations to improve TB communications, shared these directly with DAFM and collaborated with policymakers to develop and test prototype communication approaches based on farmers' and PVPs’ experiences and needs.”