Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 6

Written Answers. - Disease Eradication Programmes.

Ivor Callely

Question:

90 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the total costs to address the spread of bovine TB for the years 1983 to date; the progress that has been made in identifying the source of transmission of the disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

The annual operational cost of the bovine TB and brucellosis eradication programmes for the period requested is as follows:

Year	£ Million
1983	23.0
1984	22.2
1985	29.1
1986	26.2
1987	28.6
1988	28.5
1989	35.6
1990	46.6
1991	41.4
1992	44.2
1993	39.1

Because of accounting mechanisms it is not possible to readily separate the exact expenditure on bovine TB. The bulk of brucellosis testing is carried out in conjunction with TB testing and is estimated to cost annually some one sixth of the combined expenditure.

The level of reactors is indicating a reduction in the incidence level of bovine TB; the 1993 APT, reactors per thousand tests, was 2.9 compared with APT levels of 3.3 and 4.4 in 1992 and 1991 respectively.

While the common sources of transmission of the disease are recognised, considerable research into other sources including the role of wildlife is being carried out. Research is also being carried out into new diagnostic methods.