The recent launch of Ireland’s National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy (2025-2030) by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine comes at an appropriate time as Europe continues to struggle with diseases such as bluetongue, lumpy skin disease and bird flu (avian influenza).

The key message in the plan is “prevention is better than cure”. Ireland has a distinct advantage – being an island nation – in facing the increased risk from exotic disease.

That said, farm-level biosecurity remains the foundation of disease prevention and management. The success of any farm operation involving animals relies greatly on those animals staying healthy and free from disease.

ADVERTISEMENT

Everybody playing their part across the industry is also very important for any plan to work.