Irish cross-border TB eradication pilot to launch

A new cross-border initiative to tackle bovine tuberculosis (TB) is due to launch within weeks, with ministers describing it as a “proof-of-concept” model for a regional approach to eradication.

Daera minister Andrew Muir confirmed that he and his Republic of Ireland counterpart, Martin Heydon, will roll out the Shared Island-funded pilot in north-east Donegal and part of the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

The regionalisation project will trial, evaluate and refine TB interventions within a defined geographical zone before any wider rollout.

The approach will include implementing and monitoring measures across the three key themes of wildlife, cattle and people.

See also: How one dairy farmer is getting a grip on bovine TB

Work is already under way. Wildlife sett surveys began in January and will run for 12 weeks.

Land access has been secured across the vast majority of the pilot area, with 86% of local farmers granting permission.

DAERA Minister @AndrewMuirNI updated the @niassembly today on plans for a new cross border Bovine TB Eradication Pilot in northeast Donegal to be announced shortly. @agriculture_ie @DiscoverCAFRE @AFBI_NI @niexecutive @NIAAgriEnvRA @LouiseMCullen @UFUHQ pic.twitter.com/a9waz4t4E6

— DAERA (@daera_ni) February 16, 2026

Mr Muir said that level of engagement demonstrates “exceptionally strong co-operation” from the farming community.

The surveys will provide essential ecological data to inform wildlife interventions and TB breakdown management.

The cross-border scheme stems from the TB Partnership Group’s blueprint published last year, which recommended piloting a regionalised approach to test novel measures before scaling them up.

A new public consultation on wildlife intervention options is expected in the spring.

And a dedicated TB transformation programme has been established within Daera to oversee delivery.

The minister has stressed that the pilot is separate from any future decision on badger culling policy.

TB tensions

The update came during a Stormont Assembly session on Monday (16 February), where MLAs voiced frustration at what they described as “out-of-control” TB levels.

North Down DUP MLA Stephen Dunne accused the minister of “managing a TB crisis instead of leading the farming community out of it”.

He cited the case of a constituent who recently lost 50 dairy cows to TB – a blow estimated to have cut £12,000/month from the farm’s milk income – alongside the loss of years of breeding progress and a significant mental health toll.

Mr Muir said he recognised the “mental health impact and significant financial toll” TB breakdowns place on families.

He insisted that veterinary science must guide decisions and confirmed he is awaiting Executive approval for additional transformation funding to help drive down TB levels.

“We are looking forward to consulting on the wildlife interventions alongside the people and cattle measures,” he added.