The Irish government has launched a new €8.6 million initiative aimed at strengthening farm biosecurity and improving animal health across livestock enterprises nationwide.
Announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, the Biosecurity Targeted Advisory Service for Animal Health (TASAH) Scheme 2026 will provide free veterinary advisory services to farmers to help them assess and improve biosecurity measures on their farms.
The programme is designed to enhance animal health, welfare, and productivity while also contributing to public health by reducing the need for antimicrobial and antiparasitic medicines. Officials emphasized that improved biosecurity practices are essential for controlling disease and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Under the scheme, approximately 26,000 farm biosecurity assessments will be carried out across cattle, sheep, dairy, pig, poultry, and equine enterprises. Veterinary professionals will also support farmers in managing diseases such as Bovine Viral Diarrhoea, Johne’s Disease, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis, and Salmonella, as well as improving parasite control strategies.
The TASAH programme is delivered by Animal Health Ireland on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It builds on previous advisory initiatives and provides structured veterinary consultations at no cost to farmers.
The scheme will run from June 2026 through the end of 2028, with farmers able to register for participation immediately. Government officials say the long-term investment is expected to improve livestock health outcomes, strengthen farm profitability, and support the broader “One Health” approach linking animal, human, and environmental health.
Minister Heydon highlighted that strong engagement between farmers and private veterinary practitioners will be key to the success of the programme, noting that improved animal health management is increasingly important given current livestock market conditions.
The initiative reflects Ireland’s ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture, disease prevention, and reducing the risk of emerging pathogens through proactive, science-based farm advisory services.
