Vol. 481 No. 1
136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals, if any, he has to enhance animal health status in relation to the beef, lamb and pig industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15750/97]
This country enjoys a high health status and a range of national and EU schemes are in place to protect this status. Other measures are introduced as and when required.
In the cattle sector, my Department operates a number of schemes covering, in particular, the eradication of BSE, TB, brucellosis and leucosis. In the sheep sector, legislation is being drafted by my Department to introduce a new scrapie eradication scheme. In the pig sector, an Aujeszky's disease eradication programme covering a five year period is due to commence shortly. My Department is also monitoring the PRRS status of pigs slaughtered at meat plants adjacent to the Border in order to safeguard our disease-free status.
In general the importation of cattle, sheep and pigs is governed by EU rules. However, in September 1995, the major farming, veterinary and breeding organisations, under the auspices of the RDS, published a code of practice on the safer importation of cattle, sheep and goats. In the case of pigs, a similar code of practice is operated by the National Pig Health Council. I have urged that any person importing livestock should follow closely the recommendations set out in these codes of practice to ensure that risks posed by these imports are minimised.
