Vol. 536 No. 2
234 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number and species of live animals imported from countries where foot and mouth disease is endemic between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2000 and from 1 January 2001 to 30 April 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13832/01]
European Commission rules prohibit the importation of live animals of susceptible species from countries where foot and mouth disease is endemic. I am not aware of any imports of susceptible species from such countries between 1 January 2000 and 30 April 2001.
As for animals of other species, 26 horses were imported from countries with an endemic level of foot and mouth disease in 2000, and 20 were imported from such countries in 2001 to 30 April. In addition, 16 dogs and 13 cats were imported from countries with endemic foot and mouth disease in 2000 while 15 dogs and seven cats were imported from such countries in 2001 to April 30. Imported dogs and cats must, of course, undergo six months quarantine upon entry to the State.
I have no information in relation to exotic species imported under CITES, Convention on International Trade in Exotic Species, as such imports are dealt with by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.
