Fergus O'Dowd
Question:24 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cases of enzootic abortion since 1 January 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13936/03]
Written Answers. - Animal Diseases.
Enzootic abortion of ewes is a notifiable disease under the provisions of the Diseases of Animals (Notification of Infectious Diseases) Order, 1992.
Enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) is a disease that was first recognised in Scotland in 1936 and the causal organism was first identified in 1950. It is associated with placentitis, late abortions, and the birth of stillborn and weak lambs many of which die neonatally. The disease was not identified in Ireland until 1992.
There is evidence that at least 15 flocks have been clinically affected by EAE. The diagnostic evidence is based on history, pathological, findings, serology, and in some cases isolation and identification of the organism and combinations of the findings. This year, to date, 14 cases have been discovered in eight flocks.