Ivor Callely
Question:75 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the understanding of the way in which brucellosis is spread; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13357/98]
Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.
Brucellosis is caused by the organism brucella abortus. This organism grows and multiplies in the uterus of an infected pregnant animal.
The disease is spread through infected uterine discharges at or around the time of calving or abortion. The organism can also be disseminated in the milk of an infected animal.
The main susceptible species are: humans, bovines, ovines and porcines. Humans can contract through:
(i) the ingestion of raw infected milk — pasteurised milk is perfectly safe — or
(ii) as part of an occuptional hazard — e.g. farmers, vets.
Ivor Callely
Question:76 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the understanding of the way in which bovine TB is spread; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13358/98]
The major way bovine TB is spread is by direct respiratory transmission from other infected bovines.
Indirect transmission from infected animal wastes also plays a role as does direct and indirect contact with other infected wildlife species such as badgers and deer.