Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Bovine Aids Virus.

Ivan Yates

Question:

307 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the agricultural disease referred to as bovine aids; the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that there is no outbreak of this in the Republic of Ireland; if the veterinary section of his Department is monitoring developments in the United Kingdom in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [371/94]

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

I presume the Deputy is referring to the condition known as Bovine Immunodeficiency-like Virus (BIV). The evidence available to date indicates that the virus, which is known to exist in many countries, is non pathogenic. There is no evidence of risk to humans. My Department is keeping abreast of information emanating from the United Kingdom on this subject.