Key facts
- The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) urges farmers to use the free veterinary advice under the 2026 TASAH scheme.
- The TASAH scheme provides farmers with veterinary consultations on parasite control, TB biosecurity, and disease prevention.
- The scheme includes a farm visit and consultation with a trained veterinary practitioner.
- ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair John Barron encourages all livestock farmers, including drystock farmers, to utilize the service.
- The closing date for applications under the On-Farm Badger Biosecurity Scheme is Sunday, June 7.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) is actively encouraging farmers to take advantage of the free veterinary advice offered through the 2026 Biosecurity Targeted Advisory Service for Animal Health (TASAH) scheme. This program, recently launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, is designed to assist farmers in evaluating and implementing biosecurity measures on their farms. John Barron, ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair, emphasized that the scheme provides access to veterinary advice at no cost, covering essential areas such as parasite control, tuberculosis (TB) biosecurity, and general disease prevention. He highlighted its relevance for all livestock farmers, including beef, suckler, and sheep farmers, noting that the consultations can improve animal performance, reduce unnecessary treatments, and inform decisions on vaccination programs and herd health. Barron also pointed out that an independent veterinary assessment can identify issues that farmers might overlook, reinforcing the importance of good biosecurity for disease prevention. Additionally, the ICSA reminded farmers that the deadline for applications for the On-Farm Badger Biosecurity Scheme is June 7.