Bovine TB Scheme 2026: what's changed and what it means for farmers

Ireland's bovine TB (bTB) eradication programme has undergone its most significant overhaul in years, with a raft of new measures coming into effect in 2026.

Here's a summary of the key changes every farmer needs to know.

Increased funding

The Government has more than doubled the budget for the TB eradication programme in 2026, bringing total funding to €157 million — an increase of €85 million on 2025.

This comes against a backdrop of a worrying rise in cases, with over 40,000 TB-positive animals detected in the year to September 2025, a 44% increase since 2023.

Annual expenditure had been exceeding its budget every year since 2020, with a 76% overspend recorded in 2024.

New testing requirements

Several significant changes to animal testing and movement requirements came into force on 13th April 2026 as part of the Bovine TB Action Plan:

· The post-movement test option has been removed for all cows and males over 36 months of age.

· All dairy cows moving into a breeding herd now require a 30-day pre-movement test.

· Contract-reared heifers also now require a 30-day pre-movement test.

· Mandatory gamma interferon (GIF) testing has been introduced in large breakdowns of breeding herds (applying to herds placed under TB restriction on or after 13th April 2026).

The new mart grouping system explained

One of the most talked-about changes is the introduction of a new three-tier grouping system for buying and selling cattle at livestock marts. It's important to understand that the groups are not based on whether a herd has previously had TB, they are based on your enterprise type and the testing/movement status of the individual animal.

Both buyers and sellers are assigned to a group, and the AIM (Animal Identification and Movement) system automatically manages eligibility checks. Marts are now required to verify with AIM that a buyer's herd is an eligible destination before a sale can proceed.

Farmers can view their herd's buying and selling group on the AIM system via myAgfood.ie.

Group 1 – "Open"

This is the highest standard group. It includes breeding herds and herds with a milk supply contract (i.e. dairy farms).

Group 1 buyers can only purchase Group 1 animals.

An animal qualifies as Group 1 if it is:

A young heifer, non-cow female, or male under 36 months and tested within the last 12 months, or
A cow or male over 36 months with a valid 30-day pre-movement test

The rationale is straightforward: breeding and dairy herds carry the highest risk of spreading TB if a reactor animal enters, so the strictest controls apply.

Group 2 – "Dry"

This group covers non-milk-supplying, non-breeding herds — typically dry stock or beef finishing farms.

Group 2 buyers can purchase both Group 1 and Group 2 animals.

However, any Group 2 animals purchased can only subsequently be moved directly to slaughter. They cannot re-enter the breeding or dairy supply chain.

Group 3 – Cattle Finishing Units (CFUs)

Approved Department CFUs can buy animals from any group (1, 2, or 3).

However, all animals moving out of a CFU can only go directly to slaughter.

New on-farm badger biosecurity scheme

A new €6 million on-farm badger biosecurity scheme has been launched as part of the TB Action Plan, recognising wildlife as a key driver of TB spread. The scheme is open to farmers through participating co-operatives and agri-retail merchants.

Expanded wildlife programme

A new service provider has been contracted under the wildlife programme, with the aim of increasing resources on the ground and improving the effectiveness of wildlife management measures.

New TB helpline

A dedicated TB helpline has been set up for farmers who enter a new breakdown, providing guidance on what to expect during the process. Day-to-day management of breakdowns remains the responsibility of the local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO).

Key takeaway

These 2026 changes represent a significant tightening of the TB eradication programme, with a focus on controlling animal movements and reducing the risk of disease spread through marts and breeding herds.

Farmers are strongly advised to check their herd's group status on myAgfood.ie and ensure their animals are within the required testing timeframes before bringing them to a mart.