Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 3

Written Answers - Bovine Disease Controls.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

67 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the attempt to eradicate BSE from the national herd; the breakdown of these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8849/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I assume the Deputy is referring to the cost to the Exchequer of herd depopulation, associated costs – for example, haulage, slaughter, rendering, etc. – and the cost of the BSE active surveillance programme. Details of gross costs and EU receipts to 28 March 2003 are as follows:

	Gross Cost	EU Receipts
	€million	€million
Depopulation and Associated Costs	229.5	76.7
Testing	57.9	8.3

The BSE control and eradication measures in Ireland are among the most comprehensive in the world. The value of these measures can now be seen in the positive underlying trend in relation to BSE. In the period from January to March 2003, the number of cases, was 69 compared with 118 in the corresponding period in 2002 which represents a reduction of 42%.

In addition, the age profile of cases detected continues to increase. In 2002 some 2% of cases were identified in animals less than six years old at the time of diagnosis compared with 16% in 2001 and 40% in 2000. To date in 2003, no cases have been detected in animals less than six years of age. The increasing age profile of animals in which the disease is confirmed is a positive indication that the enhanced controls introduced in 1996 and 1997 are having the desired effect and that the incidence of BSE will continue to decline as older animals leave the system.