Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1999

Vol. 507 No. 4

Other Questions. - Bovine TB Eradication.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

13 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, his Department has to re-examine policies on the bovine tuberculosis eradication programme in view of the complaints lodged by the Irish Wildlife Trust and Badgerwatch with the standing committee of the Berne Convention, and the fact that Ireland was declared bovine tuberculosis free in the 1960s without any badger culling programmes being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14856/99]

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

The issues raised by the Irish Wildlife Trust and Badgerwatch with the standing committee of the Berne convention are being dealt with by the national parks and wildlife service of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

The policies on the bovine tuberculosis eradication programme are finalised following consultation with the national animal health forum. Two meetings of the scientific sub-group of this forum were held recently. Among the items discussed were the current research projects into the role of the badger in the spread of bovine tuberculosis. The results of the east Offaly project indicate that this role is significant. The research is being continued in four other areas of the country with a view to quantifying more precisely the contribution of the badger in this respect, and thereby to develop policies which would help in the eventual eradication of tuberculosis in both species. This work is being complemented by research into the development of a vaccine for possible use in wildlife. Research work along similar lines is also being undertaken in the UK.

The declaration in 1965 that Ireland was free of TB signified the attainment of a reduced level of disease which was important from a trading perspective. The wildlife reservoir has been a major contributor to our inability to progress beyond this limit. Badgers and bovines share the same environment and feed on the same pastures. Various pathways exist for the transmission of disease between these species and modern DNA strain typing techniques have clearly shown that both species share the same disease in localised areas. The extent to which the various pathways of infection are contributing to inter-species transmission is currently the subject of research, but at this point the involvement of such pathways is beyond doubt.

Mr. Sargent

Would the Minister agree that other factors are also involved in the spread of bovine tuberculosis? Will he comment on the widely held view that the movement of cattle is something which can be tackled much more effectively than by trying to kill off badgers? Is an equal effort being made to ensure the movement of cattle is reduced and minimised, as in Northern Ireland which also has badgers but does not seem to have the same tuberculosis problem?

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

The first problem here in terms of animal disease is the damp climate.

Mr. Sargent

That also applies in Northern Ireland.

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

For historical reasons there is not the same level of movement in Northern Ireland as in the South. The basis of the livestock industry was the movement from southern counties into western and midlands counties. In the past there were 12 or 13 movements but that has been reduced to six or seven movements. Coming from a rural area, I sympathise with the Deputy in regard to the badger, knowing its habitat and environment. An effort is being made to minimise the problem as much as possible in the interests of protecting that species.

Mr. Ellis

Is the Minister aware from the research carried out here and in the UK that badgers have been identified as a major source of TB? Not only are bovines being wiped out but the badgers are being wiped out due to their colleagues carrying the disease. Are there plans to carry out a major survey, such as the Offaly project and others, and to publish a report with a view to protecting badgers as well as bovines?

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

All badgers removed are taken only for the purpose of scientific research and the numbers removed account for less than 1 per cent of the population. This research has shown that up to 20 per cent of the badger population is infected with bovine tuberculosis. This causes major havoc in both the badger and cattle populations. The objective of the Department is to find solutions that will provide protection for both species. In particular, significant efforts are being made in the area of vaccine research. I hope that will be perfected shortly. The TB investigation unit at University College Dublin, which has experts in mycology, microbiology, pathology and zoology, has recently issued a major badger vaccine development project. This project is taking place at Little Island, County Waterford. Its prime objective is to evaluate the immune response of badgers vaccinated with BCG and to compare the responses over one year.

Mr. Browne

(Carlow-Kilkenny): Will the Minister of State clarify the number of badgers affected in the experiments carried out?

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

Some 20 per cent.

Mr. Browne

(Carlow-Kilkenny): Thank you.

Mr. Sargent

The Minister of State mentioned historical reasons for the movement of cattle in the Republic which did not exist in Northern Ireland. Is he satisfied with the present level of movements in the Republic and can these movements be reduced further? Can he foresee a time when we will boast about the same low level of tuberculosis in the Republic as is currently enjoyed in Northern Ireland, notwithstanding the presence of badgers?

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

There is quite a problem with tuberculosis in Northern Ireland and in the UK. I referred to that problem in an earlier question. I gave approximate statistics, that we had 13 or 14 movements of cattle in the past but they have been reduced to six or seven.

Mr. Connaughton

It should be less than that.

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

The more the herd consoli dates and the more there is birth to slaughter on farms, changes will take place. That would be the ideal situation but we cannot legislate for that.

Mr. Davern

Deputy Sargent has always given out about the hedgerows being cut.

Mr. Connaughton

When will the information from the Offaly pilot project be published?

Mr. N. O'Keeffe

We hope to be in a position to publish it within the next few months. It will probably be discussed at the animal health forum. I will get that information for the Deputy.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Question No. 14 was submitted in my name. As Leas-Cheann Comhairle it is the practice that questions submitted in my name are for written answer only. Hence I request that Question No. 14 be transferred for written answer.