ICSA suckler chair Eoin Ryan said the department’s option under the 2026 Beef Welfare Scheme forces farmers to choose between vaccinating against bluetongue over other essential measures. “The department’s decision effectively forces farmers to choose between vaccinating for bluetongue or continuing with essential measures such as clostridial vaccines or pneumonia protection. It is simply shifting risk from one area to another rather than strengthening overall herd health,” he said. “In the case of bluetongue, animals should be vaccinated well in advance of breeding, so clarity and support are essential at this point to ensure farmers can act in time to protect their herds. If the objective is to build resilience in the suckler herd, then the policy must support farmers in doing more, not force them into doing less,” Mr Ryan added.

Source: Irish Examiner April 06, 2026 12:41 UTC