The overall cost of tackling TB increased to more than €121 million last year according to new figures published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). 

Expenditure has increased from €37.5 million in 2019 to a total €121,987,000 in 2025 according to DAFM's latest National Bovine Tuberculosis Statistics.

The statistics for quarter four 2025 show a 16% year on year increase in expenditure relating to the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme (OFMV) - the main compensation scheme available to farmers who experience a TB breakdown in their herd.

By the end of quarter four 2025 OFMV costs had increased to more than €62.7 million according to the department.

Meanwhile compensation also increased in by 52% year on year to €14.7 million - compared to €9.6 million in 2024.

Vet fees for TB testing last year jumped by 28% - compared to corresponding figures for 2024 - to €18.7 million.

But in contrast according to DAFM's latest National Bovine Tuberculosis Statistics spending on the wildlife unit fell by 8% to €8.4 million year on year.

The latest DAFM statistics underline how the cost to the Exchequer of the TB Programme has grown since 2019.

TB spend

But analysis of the five year herd incidence also highlights that by December 2025 the herd incidence rate was 5.77% - slightly down from 6% in December 2024.

Last September the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, launched the 'Bovine TB Action Plan' - which contains five measures and 30 actions - and aims to "reset" Ireland's approach to battling TB.

Over €157 million was earmarked as part of Budget 2026 to tackle TB levels nationally.

Last week Minister Heydon told the Dáil that the government "is committed to ongoing constructive engagement with all stakeholders in order to help the farming community and the TB Forum will meet later this year".

DAFM has also also confirmed that it plans to carry out a "lean review" this year to improve the management and administration of the TB programme.