Parts of the country with higher levels of TB, known as blackspots, will see testing ramped up in a bid to eradicate the disease under the draft strategy.

There will be additional testing of neighbouring herds and those considered to be at risk in these areas. In the third quarter of 2020, there were higher levels of TB in Monaghan, Cavan, Louth and north Meath, as well as parts of Clare, Cork, Galway and Wicklow. Targeted TB control plans are in place in Monaghan and parts of Cavan, Meath, Louth, Westmeath, Offaly, Cork and Clare.

The Department is to also investigate the local factors driving the increase in the disease in these areas and what actions need to be taken. It will also provide advice and information to herdowners in these areas.

It is unclear from the document whether these will be financial penalties or incentives, or other unspecified tools

Under biosecurity, the Department proposes more monitoring and inspections of cleansing and disinfection after breakdowns in herds.

The draft document refers to “policy tools” which will “incentivise herdowners to make management choices” on their farm when it comes to TB. It is unclear from the document whether these will be financial penalties or incentives, or other unspecified tools.

It is proposed that regional veterinary offices should host annual meetings on TB to update farmers, farm organisations and vets on the disease at national and regional level.

The Department plans to work towards having a single point of contact for farmers who have a TB breakdown in their herd to reduce the stress involved.