Brendan Daly
Question:23 Mr. Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans he has to introduce a scrapie eradication programme for sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3865/01]
Written Answers. - Disease Eradication Programmes.
From the information that is currently available, the incidence of scrapie in Ireland would appear to be low with an average of nine confirmed cases per year out of a total sheep population of approximately 7.9 million. My Department is actively considering the introduction of measures to address the eradication of this disease.
The veterinary research laboratory of my Department, in conjunction with the veterinary college of University College Dublin is currently participating in a number of research projects involving scrapie. These projects are part of an EU-wide research initiative, which is examining various aspects of scrapie, including epidemiology, genetic resistance and strain typing.
Of the eight strains of scrapie identified internationally, investigations suggest that there is only one strain of the disease in Ireland. The outcome of these studies will assist in identifying the best way to tackle this disease.