Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 1

Written Answers. - Bovine Disease Controls.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

207 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that one of the key objectives of the MAFF research programme 1999-2000 is the development of a vaccine to protect cattle from tuberculosis with the additional aim of developing a more sensitive diagnostic test for tuberculosis; his Department's research plan, if any, for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19551/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I am aware of this programme in the UK and I will continue to monitor developments closely. Under current EU rules, vaccination of cattle against TB is not permitted. My Department has placed special emphasis on availing of the best diagnostic tests and is currently finalising a major research programme to seek to develop a vaccine for use in badgers which are regarded as a source of the disease in cattle.