Vol. 429 No. 6
237 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give the up-to-date information on foot and mouth disease in Central and Eastern European countries and the associated health risks relating to imports from these countries.
Outbreaks of foot and mouth disease have occurred in 53 holdings in Italy. The export of animals and their products from affected areas of Italy is prohibited by an EC decision. The source of this infection is believed to be cattle imported from Eastern Europe. Because of uncertainties as to the exact origin and movements of these cattle the EC decided to place a temporary ban on the importation of susceptible animals and products from all Eastern European countries. The latest indications are that the outbreak in Italy is under control.
