I have endeavoured to keep the House and the general public informed of new developments in regard to foot and mouth disease as they arise.
The Deputy will already be aware of the arrangements in place for culling susceptible animals in the vicinity of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Proleek, County Louth. The cull of sheep and cattle in the one kilometer zone was completed on 25 March and the cull of sheep in the three kilometer zone was completed on 26 March. The three kilometer protection zone and the ten kilometer surveillance zone provided for in European Communities legislation remain in place.
The House will also be aware of the decision taken in conjunction with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland to create a firewall between Meigh in County Armagh and Proleek in County Louth by extending the preventative cull of sheep to that area. This is intended to create a corridor in which there will be no live sheep which might be capable of transmitting the disease. Any decision on the need for further culling in the Cooley peninsula will depend on the outcome of epidemiological and other investigations which are continuing on an ongoing basis. A decision has already been made to engage the wildlife service of Dúchas and the Army to cull any remaining susceptible wildlife on the Cooley mountains, and this work is proceeding.
Further developments include acceptance by the EU's Standing Veterinary Committee of a Commission decision earlier this week to regionalise Ireland until at least 19 April when the issue will be reviewed. In effect this means the range of restrictions in place in County Louth will remain in place until that date, although the period of restriction may be extended beyond then depending on developments. Exports of agricultural products from the rest of the country can continue with appropriate certification.
As for the origins of the Proleek outbreak, there has been no breakthrough to date in establishing a definitive link. The greatest risk of transmission is through animal to animal contact, followed by possible infection through people or vehicles. Investigations in relation to the origin of the Proleek outbreak are continuing and all possible leads are being followed up. In the meantime, every precaution is being taken to prevent the spread of the disease.