Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 1

Written Answers. - Tuberculosis Incidence.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

97 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps being taken to rectify tuberculosis in view of the significant problem that a number of herd owners are experiencing at a location (details supplied) in County Donegal over the past few months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22554/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

My Department is concerned that there has been an increase in the level of TB in the area indicated in the current year.

Following epidemiological investigations into the area outbreak, the possibility of infection from the local badger population is being considered. It is proposed to carry out sampling of badgers under licence within the next month. It was not possible to remove badgers during the summer months due to the difficulty in identi fying sett locations when vegetation prevented an accurate survey.