Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 6

Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

78 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the current status of the animal health programme with particular reference to bovine tuberculosis eradication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17851/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The position in relation to bovine TB is that significantly higher numbers of reactors were disclosed throughout the country in 1998 and 1999 than in preceding years. Simultaneously, there has also been increased levels of the disease in parts of Britain and Northern Ireland. Veterinary experts both here and in the UK have not yet established the precise reasons for these increases but among the factors considered to be involved are the cyclical nature of the disease, higher cattle numbers, higher stocking densities, poor weather conditions, some fraud and infected wildlife.

While the number of reactors disclosed to date in 2000 is below that for the comparable period in 1999, the current high level of TB is not sus tainable for a variety of reasons, including potential risks to human and animal health, trading implications, production losses, the disruption of normal farming activities and the budgetary implications for Exchequer funds.

As agreed in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, measures are being adopted with the objective of reducing the current levels of TB by 50% over the next four years. These measures include additional resources being made available for the removal of infected wildlife in the 20% of the country that yields 50% of reactors. The operational arrangements are being finalised with the farming and veterinary bodies in the context of the animal health forum.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

79 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the current position in relation to the eradication of brucellosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17852/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

A number of additional measures have been added to the brucellosis eradication programme in recent years including the introduction from February 1998 of a compulsory one sale, 30 day pre-movement test. During the course of 1999, I introduced a number of new initiatives in order to further enhance the eradication programme. These included the taking of blood samples from cows at slaughter plants and other diagnostic measures. In addition the milk ring test, MRT, is being replaced by the milk elisa test and the serum agglutination test, SAT, on blood samples is being replaced by the elisa test. These improved tests are helping to identify brucellosis breakdowns at an earlier stage, allowing for earlier intervention in herds and reducing the risk of contiguous spread. The current regime was reviewed during 1999 by an EU Food and Veterinary Office mission and its report broadly endorsed the measures in place.

I am pleased to say that as a result of these initiatives a number of positive factors are emerging to indicate that the incidence of this disease is declining. I am keeping a close eye on developments and will introduce further changes in consultation with the farming and veterinary organisations, if, and as they become necessary.