Vol. 521 No. 6
4 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of Irish cattle herds infected with brucella abortus; the number of households here where unpasteurised milk is consumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17847/00]
There are currently 337 cattle herds restricted following the disclosure of brucellosis reactors. Of these, however, 111 herds have had two or more clear tests and further tests will be carried out in the other 226 herds. It is my Department's policy to depopulate all reactor herds where active infection is established.
Where reactors are disclosed, herdowners are advised immediately, inter alia, of the restrictions on disposing of milk from reactor animals, that they should never consume unpasteurised milk and the other precautions they should take to protect public and animal health.
The placing on the market of raw milk for direct human consumption in that condition is forbidden. It is not unlawful, however, for milk producers to use it in their own households. My Department does not have figures for the number of households where unpasteurised milk is consumed but it is estimated that such consumption is quite low.
Will the Minister of State indicate in broad terms the expenditure to date on brucellosis eradication, which I assume is fairly high? Is he satisfied that a large number of herds remain infected? Also, since there is a huge cost in terms of medication, health care and quality of life for those infected with brucellosis, will the Minister agree there should be a more pro-active campaign to inform people of the risks associated with the consumption of unpasteurised milk?
I do not have the information on the costs the Deputy has requested but I am sure I can procure them for her. Neither do I have the figure on the people who consume unpasteurised milk. A number of farmers produce their own milk but do not have their own pasteurising facilities and it is possible and probable that those families consume unpasteurised milk at farm level. A leaflet which offers advice to herdowners when brucellosis enters their herds is freely available; I am sure the Deputy has the leaflet.
This year has seen an improvement in overall levels of brucellosis. Last year there were 458 reactor herds but that figure has reduced to 337. That is a fairly substantial improvement, despite what has been said. The trend is downwards and with good discipline at farm level and control of movement, I am convinced we will bring it down to a manageable level. The country was practically free of brucellosis a number of years ago. I recognise that the cost to the taxpayer and to the farmers, and the nuisance involved, is very high but I do not have the actual figure.
Will the Minister consider liaising with the Department of Health and Children for a more pro-active campaign to dispense with the folklore that unpasteurised milk is somehow better for the consumer than pasteurised milk? There should be an active campaign to inform consumers of the critical risks associated with the consumption of unpasteurised milk.
The part of the Deputy's question relevant to the Department of Health and Children was sent to the Department because it is the regulatory authority in that area. I agree with the Deputy that it is important to liaise with the Department of Health and Children to highlight the dangers of unpasteurised milk and the difficulties it can cause for families. I do not have the figure on that but I believe it is at farm level only.
