Ireland's veterinary conference highlights rising bovine TB and the link between animal and domestic abuse
Veterinary Ireland’s Annual Conference and AGM, held recently at Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny, brought together veterinary professionals and stakeholders to address key issues at the nexus of animal welfare, public health, and broader social concerns. Marking the 25th anniversary of Veterinary Ireland, the event underscored the profession’s vital role in safeguarding both animal and human welfare, with discussions ranging from disease control to the complexities of domestic abuse.
A major focus at the conference was the alarming increase in bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Ireland, with figures revealing a herd incidence of 6.5% in early 2025, levels not seen since the early 2000s. Damien Barrett, Head of the Ruminant Animal Health Programme at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), highlighted that more than 40,000 cattle were identified as reactors in 2024, a figure reminiscent of the late 1990s. This rise coincides with expanded herd sizes and intensified cattle farming practices, which have heightened cattle-to-cattle transmission and residual infections. Barrett emphasised the urgent need for a revamped approach, pointing to the five-point Bovine TB Action Plan launched by Minister Martin Heydon as a collaborative effort to curb the disease. The plan aims to protect herds free from bTB, reduce wildlife-related transmission, ensure rapid detection and elimination of infection, improve biosecurity, and manage high-risk animals. These steps follow government approval and stakeholder consultations earlier in 2025, reflecting an intensified commitment to combat an escalating rural crisis that threatens farm families and the wider economy. Data from the Department further substantiates the severity, showing over 6,400 herds restricted and more than 43,000 reactors as of mid-2025, underscoring the deepening challenge facing Irish agriculture.
The conference also addressed an often-overlooked intersection between animal and human welfare, the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse. Detective Garda Dan Beckett of the National Domestic Abuse Unit outlined research establishing that abusers frequently use harm or threat to pets as a tool for control and domination within abusive relationships. This dynamic not only perpetuates violence but also hinders victims’ ability to escape abusive environments. Beckett encouraged veterinarians to be vigilant for signs of non-accidental injury in animals that may indicate domestic abuse, highlighting the profession's unique position due to their close contact with the public. International studies corroborate this link, revealing alarming rates of co-occurrence between animal abuse and family violence, and underline the importance of cross-sector cooperation for effective intervention.
In another keynote presentation, Dr Claire Corridan emphasised the importance of integrating trauma-informed care into veterinary behavioural medicine. She explored how trauma and chronic stress from adverse experiences affect animals’ emotional and physical health, particularly juvenile animals whose development is shaped by early experiences. Dr Corridan urged veterinary professionals to recognise stress and trauma signals, employing patient and consistent care practices to support recovery, thereby advancing animal welfare through science-based clinical approaches.
The conference further extended its human welfare focus with presentations on farmer wellbeing and suicide prevention. Stephen Mbwika from the Men’s Development Network introduced On Feirm Ground 2, a national training programme equipping professionals to engage in sensitive conversations with farmers, recognising distress and providing appropriate support. Simultaneously, Ailish O’Neill from the HSE’s National Office of Suicide Prevention discussed how workplaces, including veterinary practices, can actively contribute to breaking down stigma around mental health and suicide prevention, fostering environments conducive to open dialogue and support.
Additional updates covered regulatory and practical matters, such as the implementation of the National Veterinary Prescription System and forthcoming stricter controls on antiparasitic medicines, as outlined by Caroline Garvan of the DAFM. Clíodhna Hughes from Veterinary Ireland Financial Services also highlighted the implications of auto-enrolment pension schemes for veterinary practices, framing these changes as opportunities to boost recruitment, retention, and overall workforce wellbeing.
Capping the event was the installation of Veterinary Ireland's new president, Eoin Glynn MVB, a practitioner deeply rooted in mixed veterinary practice and agriculture. Glynn articulated a vision for Veterinary Ireland centred on valuing and empowering members while maintaining leadership in science, animal welfare, and ethics in an increasingly complex professional landscape.
This conference not only celebrated a quarter century of Veterinary Ireland’s dedication but also reaffirmed the veterinary profession’s integral role at the confluence of animal health, human wellbeing, and societal challenges, reflecting a holistic approach that is essential to the sector’s evolving responsibilities.