Donal Carey
Question:39 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends to prohibit the importation of bacon from countries where blue ear disease is rampant.
Written Answers. - Bacon Importation Restrictions.
This disease has been detected in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Great Britain. It is highly infectious and is transmissible through infected pigs and contaminated vehicles or equipment. There is not evidence, however, that it can spread through pig-meat. Therefore, banning the importation of bacon from the affected countries would not be justified. I have advised producers to be vigilant and indicated the precautionary measures which should be taken. These include limiting access to their farms, the use of protective clothing and disinfection, and not visiting pig farms abroad. Extreme caution should also be taken in regard to the importation of live pigs and in general such importations should be avoided.
I should also point out that the disease does not pose a risk to human health.