Brendan Howlin
Question:51 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has taken measures to curb the spread of brucellosis by farm dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4951/02]
Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.
The levels of brucellosis nationally have fallen significantly over the last three years as a result of my Department's intensified eradication programme. During this period the number of brucellosis reactors has fallen by 51% and the number of newly restricted herds has fallen by 49%.
On the basis of all the scientific and epidemiological information available to me, farm dogs are not regarded as playing a significant role in the spread of brucellosis in Ireland. While dogs can become infected with bovine brucellosis and can develop antibodies in their blood, they appear to be a "dead end host" and generally do not spread the infection, and rarely if ever develop any symptoms.
The two major sources of spread of brucellosis in Ireland are (1) contiguous spread, whereby infection spreads from one infected herd to a neighbouring herd, e.g. via infected slurry etc. and (2) bought in infection, whereby an infected animal is introduced into a herd.
My Department has put a number of measures in place to tackle these sources of spread includ ing: an intensive testing programme, rapid removal of reactors and depopulation of herds in appropriate circumstances; a requirement to pre-movement test animals prior to purchase or sale; compulsory treatment of slurry on brucellosis infected farms; and awareness campaigns to remind farmers, veterinary practitioners and others of the biosecurity measures that should be taken to minimise the risk of the spread of brucellosis