Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
353 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Question Nos. 97 of 8 October 2003 and 180 of 9 December 2003, the progress which has been made since to rectify tuberculosis problems that a number of herd owners are experiencing at a location (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30165/04]
View answerAs stated in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 180 of 9 December 2003, a survey and sampling of badgers was conducted under licence in mid November 2003. A substantial proportion of the badgers were removed and these were sent for post mortem examination. A high rate of TB lesions was disclosed indicating a link with infection in the bovine herd from the local badger population. The disease situation in the area has improved since last year, with four herds restricted compared to six in September 2003. Epidemiological studies indicate that all of these cases are related to the original breakdown.
