Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2004
2 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the recent diagnosis of a variant CJD case here; the consequences she foresees for the agriculture industry; her proposals to step up BSE and variant CJD prevention measures; if she has plans for increased rigour in the testing of animal products from non-EU countries arising from the recent case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29496/04]
View answerIt was with regret that I learned of the illness due to variant CJD of the young man and I wish to convey my sympathy to his family and friends.
The Minister for Health and Children has dealt with the public health dimension arising from this case. Ireland has operated a range of controls in the cattle and beef sectors against BSE since the confirmation of the first case in 1989. The objective of these controls, which are kept under constant review and are in line with best available scientific knowledge, is to eliminate the cause of the disease and to protect the consumer of Irish beef. The controls were substantially extended in 1997 when a possible link between BSE and variant CJD was first confirmed in the UK. While the EU further extended the mandatory controls on meat and bonemeal and specified risk material removal in late 2000, Ireland put in place the main elements of these in 1996 and 1997 for public health protection.
My Department operates the controls in place in Ireland in the export plants. In small local abattoirs, the local authorities operate the controls under the supervision of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Irish BSE controls remain subject to ongoing external audit and examination by a range of bodies, including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the European Commission Food and Veterinary Office. Based on an extensive examination in 1998 the EU categorised Ireland's position on BSE controls as optimally stable, which is the highest category of control effectiveness. The Irish BSE control system is also subject to examination by the veterinary and public health authorities in certain non-EU beef importing countries.
In respect of the current case, both the CJD advisory group and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have indicated that there is no need for concern about the public health and or safety of Irish beef. In particular, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland stated that it is "confident that based on current controls consumers of Irish beef are not being exposed to the BSE infective agent". Animal products from the non-EU countries may be imported only from countries that the EU has approved on the basis that their veterinary, animal health and residue controls for the products in question are at least equivalent to those of member states. Therefore, harmonised provisions are operated in accordance with community legislation and these standards are audited by the EU food and veterinary office. Where there are concerns with regard to the effectiveness of controls being operated in an approved third country, the European Commission, in consultation with the standing committee on the food chain and animal health, may introduce specific controls by means of a safeguard measure to ensure the protection of human and animal health.
I thank the Minister for that detailed response. I too extend my sympathy to the family of the patient who has been diagnosed with CJD. Is there any ongoing surveillance similar to a small survey I carried out at the weekend whereby I discovered that 29 of the cases identified this year were nine-year old animals? It was a disproportionately higher figure than for any born in any other year that were diagnosed as positive. Geographically, it was clear that BSE occurs more frequently in certain parts of the country. To an extent that reflects the number of cattle in those counties but there are other elements that might be worthy of investigation. Will the Minister comment on any such surveillance and any progress that could be made to address clearly identifiable areas or ages of animals that might be worth studying?
We discussed the number of BSE cases at the last Question Time and they have been reduced considerably by almost 30%. The trend of which the Deputy speaks is that it appears, except for six cases, that the animals were infected before 1996-97 when the enhanced controls were implemented. A few BSE cases have been confirmed in animals born after that time but this appears to be consistent with the situation in other member states, as was predicted. One cannot be complacent about this. The veterinary officers in my Department and in the district offices actively consider this matter. Farming activity and its intensity indicate where BSE is likely to appear.
Although we will never be totally happy about the issue, our procedure was proactive and resulted in quite high numbers at the time. We carried out a cull which assured us and the customer that the matter was being dealt with as expeditiously as possible. That was the best policy, as all the Deputies would probably agree. The Department consistently examines this matter. It is independently audited by the EU and supported by the independent Food Safety Authority.
Approximately €20 million is available from the European Union to fight animal disease. Will any of that be dedicated to BSE in particular?
Does the Deputy mean in terms of research?
No. In terms of eradication of animal disease, €20 million in funding is available from the European Union. Will some of that be dedicated to dealing with BSE?
There are many animal diseases for which the money is provided and BSE is one of those.
