asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, with the new differential test which is available for transmissible gastroenteritis and porcine respiratory corona virus in pigs, whether Ireland should review the policy whereby we insist on imported pigs being negative for porcine respiratory corona virus.
Written Answers. - Tests on Imported Pigs.
32.
My Department have been aware for some time that considerable progress is being made in the development of a laboratory testing procedure to differentiate between transmissible gastroenteritis and porcine corona virus. The indications are, however, that it will be some time yet before such a test becomes available for routine laboratory use. Nevertheless, I welcome this opportunity to make it clear that the current requirements are designed to ensure that imported pigs are free from both diseases. It is essential for the continued development of the national pig industry that imported stock be of the highest possible animal health status.