Vol. 476 No. 2
246 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the contagious diseases in farm livestock which have been detected in the State since the Single European Act became operative; the number in each case; and the steps, if any, being taken to eliminate or curtail this problem. [6671/97]
The importation of livestock from other EU member states is governed by a number of EU directives which establish the animal health conditions for such trade, e.g. — Council Directive 64/432 on trade in cattle and pigs; Council Directive 91/68 on trade in sheep and goats. Any livestock imported into Ireland must comply with the terms of these directives and, where appropriate, must be accompanied by the health certificate laid down by the relevant directive. Except where otherwise prescribed by the directive in question, I am unable to apply additional health guarantees to such trade.
As it is not always possible to apportion the blame for an outbreak of contagious disease in a herd or flock to imported or domestic animals, statistics of the type referred to by the Deputy are not maintained by my Department. However, a small number of outbreaks of mycoplasma bovis, Johnes disease and warble fly infestation discovered in herds have been attributed by the veterinary services of my Department to imported animals. Voluntary codes of practice which set out additional health requirements in relation to the import of the major livestock groups are in place and I have on many previous occasions exhorted livestock importers to adhere strictly to the provisions of these codes.
