Vol. 564 No. 1
165 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the sharp increase in the levels of bovine tuberculosis in the six counties at the end of 2002, to the fact that the target of 15 working days for the removal of reactors is not being met and to the implications which this has for the prevention of the spread of these diseases across the Border. [8893/03]
In the context of dealing with higher levels of TB and brucellosis generally, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland recently announced a number of initiatives to improve the position relating to removal and slaughter of reactors. I am arranging to forward a copy of that Department's press release of 28 February 2003 to the Deputy.
The Deputy will be aware that the importation of cattle from Northern Ireland is prohibited in the context of BSE and, consequently, the risk of spread of TB through imports of cattle should not arise. The relevant authorities meet on an ongoing basis to discuss matters of mutual concern, including animal health issues.
