Billy Timmins
Question:6 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to change the policy of full herd culling of BSE infected herds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[14757/04]
View answerThursday, 20 May 2004
Questions (6)
Oral answers (5 contributions)
I have no plans to change the policy of full herd culling of BSE infected herds for the present, although the position is kept under ongoing review. Current EU law requires the slaughter of the entire herd, birth cohorts and progeny when a BSE case is confirmed. However, it also permits by derogation the slaughter of birth cohorts and progeny only where the epidemiological circumstances justify such an approach. In practice, other member states with substantial numbers of BSE cases avail of this derogation because it is generally accepted that, from a scientific perspective, the main cause of BSE is consumption of infected feedstuffs, with a theoretical possibility of maternal transmission from dam to calf. Horizontal transmission is not considered to be a significant factor in the spread of the disease. Such countries are not, however, as heavily reliant on exports as Ireland and all have substantial domestic markets. Over time whole herd depopulation along with the full spectrum of BSE controls operating in Ireland have become critical elements in providing reassurance to consumers and in marketing Irish beef and dairy produce at home and abroad. In these circumstances and while cases continue to be confirmed at current levels, it is not possible to assess precisely the market reaction to any decision to terminate Ireland's whole herd slaughter policy. In addition, a change in policy would impact on individual farmers whose herds may be affected by the disease. Farmers left with animals which have been in the same herd as a BSE positive animal would face grave difficulties in selling beef or milk to processors.
All the evidence available indicates that BSE numbers here are declining and that the reduction will be maintained. Consequently, net Exchequer costs of whole herd depopulation will be lower in 2004 and in future years compared with expenditure in 2003. Although savings could be achieved through adopting a partial depopulation approach, such savings must be weighed against the possible adverse reaction on markets, particularly in third country export markets which are valued at €1.4 billion per annum, and the impact on individual farmers. I am, however, keeping this and other aspects of our BSE controls under ongoing scrutiny.
The Minister of State, Deputy Treacy, when discussing GM foods, stated he was relying on the best scientific brains for advice and direction. Does the Minister agree there is no scientific evidence to show the route we are taking at present is the correct one? Does the Minister not have any concerns that, with the import of replacement cows, the arrival of Johne's disease has the potential to be a greater danger than BSE has been?
All the scientific evidence shows the main cause of infection is infected feedstuffs. The main reason for full herd depopulation is commercial. If, for example, a farmer supplying milk for the production of infant formula food has a BSE occurrence in the herd and only partially depopulates, it will be extremely difficult for the manufacturers to have the confidence to continue taking milk from that herd. At present, however, whole herd depopulation, a complete fumigation of the premises and an interval before repopulation with a new herd obviates that situation. The same applies to export markets, particularly third country markets, for our dairy and food products.
Deputy Upton referred to confidence. Confidence is the key issue, particularly in Ireland's case given that we export 90% of what we produce. If a scare arose somewhere and it was discovered that infection occurred in some herds in Ireland and this was followed by only partial depopulation, it would leave us vulnerable. Thankfully, the numbers are relatively small with only 62 cases this year. The incidence is reducing considerably so there is not a large cost involved. However, the commercial implications are major. I intend to continue with whole herd depopulation for the present. It is worthwhile.
The Minister correctly identified meat and bonemeal as the element responsible for infection. Is there ongoing monitoring of meat and bonemeal? If that item could be taken out of the equation, BSE incidence in younger animals ought to disappear. It is a cause of concern that young animals occasionally present with BSE. There was a recent case in County Meath. Will the Minister give his view on the action being taken to ensure no meat and bonemeal is available in the system?
I can give an assurance, as far as it is possible, that there is a total ban and it is being implemented. The figures will show it is effective. There is a later question on the situation in County Meath and it is answered comprehensively. There will always be an occasional outbreak but, thankfully, they are few and far between. The vast majority of the current small number of cases are in excess of six years of age. We hope that trend will continue.