Mike and Mark O’Sullivan keep sucklers in Foilmore, between Glenbeigh and Cahirsiveen on the Ring of Kerry.

“The first test, we had 39 positives. As a result of that, the Department blood-tested and we had 29 other positives,” Mike recalled.

“There is a lot of stress with it and we’ll have to work with the Department and the authorities that are there to get to the bottom of it and get clear again.

We’re happy with the Department and the vets we deal with. They are very efficient and helpful,” he added.

Listen to Mike and Mark in our podcast below:

“I’ve had a clear herd for years and I had a breakdown on 15 December and that was the first inkling I got that the animals had TB. We think it must be wildlife.

There are badgers locally and some people are blaming the deer but there is no evidence that deer are spreading it.”

Mike’s son Mark believes ICBF data should be used in the valuation of reactors.

“We’re completely in agreement that the animals have to leave the herd but we are a bit unhappy with the valuations,” he said.

“Ten or 15 years ago, there was very little data available on suckler herds but we’re in the ICBF and BDGP and there is a lot of information available on the herd.

“They are valued at face value but this needs to be looked at. Something similar to the use of production records used in valuing dairy reactors could be used because the facts and information are readily available.”.”