Jimmy Deenihan
Question:16 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current decision with respect to cattle that develop Johne's disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13938/03]
Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.
Brian O'Shea
Question:69 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures he is taking to combat the increase in Johne's disease in cattle at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13988/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 69 together.
The numbers of reported cases of Johne's disease have increased significantly in recent years. Until recently, measures taken by my Department have included the purchase and slaughter of diseased animals, and in some rare cases entire herds. While the disease is notifiable, there is no obligation on the State under the provisions of the Johne's Disease Order 1955 to purchase and slaughter animals affected with Johne's disease, notwithstanding the fact that the Department has purchased infected animals. However, the current trend in cases of the disease has led to the conclusion that our historical approach has not contained, much less eradicated the disease and that expenditure on the purchase-slaughter of animals no longer generates a worthwhile return. Therefore, in mid-January 2003, a decision was taken to cease the practice of purchase and slaughter and to commit to an overall review of our approach to dealing with this issue.
That review essentially involves examining and agreeing ways in which the resources of all interested parties can be marshalled to give a new direction and momentum to efforts to tackle Johne's disease in the national herd. As a first step in formulating a new approach, my Department is engaged in a comprehensive round of meetings over the month of May with key interests. Initial meetings have already been held with Teagasc, Veterinary Ireland, ICBF and key breed societies and with the major dairy co-ops. A meeting with the farmer representative bodies is due to take place next week.
This process will be worthwhile in gaining a general recognition and understanding of the problem, securing an acceptance that success is achievable only if all concerned make a sustained commitment to tackle the problem and indicating the role which each party can most usefully play within an integrated and more effective policy approach. Arising from this round of meetings, my Department will draw together the various outputs and will bring the matter to the next stage of policy formulation. I am anxious that a new approach to tackling the problem of Johne's disease be put in place with the minimum of delay so that we can collectively begin to make some real headway in dealing with the problem.