Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 7

Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

27 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to recent reports (details supplied) showing a link between herds of cattle infected with mycobacterium paratuberculosis and the presence of this bacterium in drinking water supplies; the measures, if any, his Department has in place to trace and monitor the prevalence of mycobacterium paratuberculosis in dairy herds; if he has satisfied himself that pasteurisation of milk kills this bacterium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11010/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Paratuberculosis, otherwise known as Johnes Disease in cattle, is caused by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and is a notifiable disease under the Johnes Disease Order, 1955. This Order also provides for the slaughter of an animal infected with or suspected of being infected with Johnes Disease and for the prohibition of movement of animals from land or premises where the disease exists. I am not aware that the presence of this bacterium has ever been detected in drinking water supplies in Ireland though I believe it has been detected, occasionally, in Europe and the USA.

It is my understanding that the mycobacterium has never been cultured from commercially pasteurised milk even though the DNA of the organism can occasionally be detected. This would indicate that commercial pasteurisation of milk kills the bacterium. The outcome of studies and research in this area will continue to be monitored.