Martin Ferris
Question:10. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is committed to introducing a national plan to eradicate infectious bovine rhinotracheitis. [18582/15]
View answerThursday, 14 May 2015
Questions (10)
Written answers
My Department is aware of moves by certain member states toward the introduction of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) Eradication Programmes. In this regard, I have requested Teagasc to undertake an appropriate cost benefit analysis of the impact of the introduction of an IBR control/eradication programme in Ireland. This analysis will cover a number of areas, including (i) the costs associated with the loss of the live export trade in calves and weanling to EU markets and (ii) the on-farm losses associated with reduced output on farms. I am hopeful that this study will be completed in 2015. In view of the importance attached to the live export trade, Animal Health Ireland has developed a series of information leaflets providing veterinary practitioners, farmers and their advisers with up to date information on IBR and its control. I would urge all concerned to adopt the advice in this leaflet with a view to minimising the impact of this disease.
Questions Nos. 11 and 12 answered orally.