Vol. 567 No. 3
19 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the restrictions there are regarding the movement of sheep or the presence of sheep at various agricultural shows in the coming months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13932/03]
It was recently decided to amend the policy on the movement of sheep to agricultural shows following consultation with the industry. The following rules will apply for shows held in 2003 which include sheep from scrapie monitored flocks: two groups of sheep will be permitted to attend such shows: (1) sheep from scrapie monitored flocks, and (2) sheep from flocks which have joined the scrapie monitored flock scheme, but have not completed the three year probationary period.
Flock owners will require documentary evidence from their district veterinary office as to the status of their flocks. There must be complete separation of the two categories of sheep at the show. Ideally, this would mean a separate entrance and exit for each group, separate loading and unloading areas, separate penning areas for each of the two groups and separate sale rings for each of the two groups.
In locations where all of that which I have outlined may not be possible, the minimum requirement would be for separation of loading and unloading areas and of penning areas. The two penning areas should be separated by a sheep free alleyway at least 12 feet wide. If only one sale ring is available, the sheep from the scrapie monitored flocks must be offered for sale first.
There may be separate and additional requirements for sheep, which are intended for export to Northern Ireland.
In shows which may be held in 2004 and subsequent years, entry will be restricted to sheep from scrapie monitored flocks and from flocks which applied to join the scheme in 2003. Any flock owner who applies to join the scheme after the 2003 show season will have to complete the three year probationary period before being allowed to present sheep at shows.
A show may decide to only have sheep from flocks which are in neither of the two groups described above. In these cases, none of the rules outlined need apply.
When a flock owner applies to join the scrapie monitored flock scheme, a farm inspection must be carried out before the flock can be accepted into the scheme. Any farmer considering entering the scheme should make an application to his district veterinary office in sufficient time to allow this inspection to be carried out in advance of a show.
