Attendees at its annual open day, held on Wednesday, July 3, were informed about strict biosecurity measures due to prevailing restrictions.
Footbaths were strategically placed at the beginning, end, and along the planned route for the day.
Disinfection mats were also provided for vehicles entering and exiting the premises.
The open day route guided attendees through the fields of Moorepark.
During the introductory briefing, before the main event, attendees learned that grazing by the Moorepark herd had been limited along the designated route.
In a change from previous years, no live animals were exhibited at this year’s event. Teagasc instead opted to use plastic models, replacements, or cardboard cutouts as visual aids and props throughout the displays.
Attendees were instructed to thoroughly disinfect their footwear, emphasizing that disinfectant is only effective on clean shoes.
Ireland’s TB levels have reached their highest point in the past 15 years.
As of March 30, the Department of Agriculture reported herd incidence at 6.18%, already exceeding the 2024 year-end figure of 6.04%.
A recent Oireachtas meeting revealed that as of June 8, nearly 6,500 herds had experienced a TB breakdown, with 43,000 reactors identified in the preceding 12 months.
The same period saw just under 43,000 reactors disclosed, a 35% increase compared to the previous year’s figure of just under 32,000 reactors.
The meeting also heard that addressing the ongoing Bovine TB (TB) challenge will cost Ireland €130 million this year.
Based on current disease levels, it was projected that the cost of the eradication programme could rise to €170 million by 2026.
