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Animal Diseases Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 May 2013

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Questions (345)

Tom Fleming

Question:

345. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure his Department will provide the most up to date advice and guidance regarding an advance of the next breeding season schmallenberg disease in order to keep losses to a minimum as both sheep and cattle farmers mainly in the south of the country suffered considerable losses this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21439/13]

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Written answers

My Department is continuing to monitor developments in relation to this recently discovered virus which is spread by midges.

It is expected, that as the vector active season progresses over the summer there will be significant spread of the virus and infection. The effects of the spread of the virus will depend on the stage of pregnancy when adult animals are infected. Further spread to unaffected herds/flocks in northern and western counties is very likely to occur during the 2013 vector season but should have relatively little impact in non-pregnant livestock.

It is generally impractical to attempt midge control measures except for valuable breeding stock and it would be hoped that a strategy of exposure of non-pregnant animals may in fact be beneficial pending the development of an effective vaccine. Exposed animals develop a strong immunity and are unlikely to suffer any ill-effects if exposed to the virus on a subsequent occasion. If this viral infection becomes endemic the ill-effects are likely to be confined to pregnant sheep that have not been previously exposed as there is no evidence of clinical disease in adult sheep. Based on Australian experience in vaccinating against a similar virus/disease (Akabane virus infection) it is anticipated that vaccination is likely to be an effective tool in control of the SBV infection. A commercial vaccine is in development and my Department is monitoring developments closely.

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