Independent External Review of the Livestock Cull Operation at Fivemiletown June 2026
Date published:
Last updated:
Independent External Review of the Livestock Cull Operation at Fivemiletown June 2026
The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs commissioned an Independent External Review of the planning, governance and operational delivery of the livestock culling operation near Fivemiletown, County Tyrone, on 29 and 30 June 2026. Dr Martin Blake, former Chief Veterinary Officer for Ireland, was appointed as Independent Reviewer.
The Review examined the operation and identified findings and recommendations intended to inform future practice. It provides assurance in a number of areas while also identifying areas where improvements are required in governance, planning, operational delivery, record-keeping and communications.
The Department has accepted all ten recommendations and has published its response and an Action Plan setting out how these will be addressed.
The Terms of Reference, Independent External Review report, and Departmental Response and Action Plan are available below.