Vol. 564 No. 3
50 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department has investigated the export of cattle from Roscommon which was responsible for bringing brucellosis to Scotland, which has been free of the disease since 1973; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8856/03]
I am aware that a consignment of 36 heifers which originated from a farm in County Roscommon was exported to Scotland via Northern Ireland in June 2002. Before being exported these animals had completed all the necessary tests to comply with EU veterinary requirements for intra-community trade. The parent herd in Roscommon subsequently broke down with brucellosis in December 2002 and the appropriate authorities in the UK were notified accordingly. Two of the exported animals aborted in February 2003 on a farm in Scotland. There is regular contact between my Department and the relevant authorities in the UK on animal health issues.
Questions Nos. 51 and 52 answered with Question No. 29.
