I propose to take Questions Nos. 1059 to 1065, inclusive, together.
A key component of the BVD eradication programme is the early identification and removal of persistently infected animals. The primary surveillance system is through tissue tagging of calves. In 2020, 725 animals were disclosed as persistently infected BVD animals. All 725 animals have been disposed of.
Of the 725 animals disclosed as PI in 2020, 616 (85 %) were disposed of within 28 days of the initial positive test. Median interval from test positive to disposal was six days.
My Department provides key supports to this industry-led programme, including financial assistance. The direct financial supports available in 2021 for BEEF HERDS: €220 for beef breed animals removed with a registered date of death on AIM within 10 days of the initial test, reducing to €30 if removed between 11 and 21 days after the initial test and for DAIRY HERDS: Dairy heifers and dairy cross animals: €160 if removed within 10 days of the initial test, reducing to €30 if removed between 11 and 21 days after the initial test. In addition, my Department will fund any required testing and vaccination of animals in any farm restricted
Very significant progress has been made in recent years but I am keen to see BVD eradicated as a matter of urgency. The focus on the programme in 2021 and 2022 is to achieve the status of BVD free as set out the new European Animal Health Law by end of 2022. Compulsory BVD testing may then cease, however it is key that sufficient surveillance must be conducted to ensure we meet the criteria set out to prove continued BVD free status.
Details of the 2021 programme were agreed by the BVD Implementation Group (comprising relevant stakeholders) and publicised as in previous years. My Department issued a press release on the future pathway of the BVD programme in December 2020. Information was released through all channels including through AHI, DAFM, Veterinary Ireland, and through the farming organisations. A full page advertisement was taken out by AHI in the Irish Farmers Journal, and Programme Key messages were distributed to all the farming press by AHI. Hard copies of the Programme Key Messages have been supplied to the tag suppliers to include in any tag delivers to herd owners.