Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
811. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that are in place to protect the health of veterinary professionals from imported zoonotic diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27611/22]
View answer813. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to commence a public awareness campaign on the danger of the spread of exotic diseases and their risk to both animal and human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27613/22]
View answer814. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the precautions that are currently in place to prevent and limit the spread of exotic diseases amongst pets and exotic animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27614/22]
View answer815. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to put additional preventative measures in place to limit and prevent the spread of exotic diseases amongst pets and exotic animals given that they pose a threat to the health and welfare of both animals and pets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27615/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 811, 813, 814 and 815 together.
There are a number of protections in place to prevent the introduction and spread of exotic and zoonotic diseases in Ireland.
All animals and products of animal origin are subject to EU sanitary requirements. These requirements are in place to reduce the risk of importation and spread disease. The requirements for animals generally to enter Ireland are outlined in the EU Animal Health Law, Regulation (EU) 429/2016. The requirements for a pet to enter Ireland are outlined in Regulation (EU) 576/2013. Any animal which does not meet the health requirements set out in these regulation are quarantined or returned to the country of origin.
Any animal or product of animal origin entering Ireland from outside the EU undergoes checks at the Border Control Post (BCP) upon entry. Their health status and health documentation are checked. All pets entering from third countries are checked, whilst pets entering from the EU undergo spot checks
Recognising the exceptional circumstance created by the invasion of Ukraine, temporary arrangements have been put in place to allow people travelling from Ukraine to Ireland to be accompanied by their pets, even if the pets are not in full compliance with EU Travel Regulations. In accordance with Article 32 of Regulation (EU) 576/2013 and, by way of derogation from the conditions provided for non-commercial movements of pet animals, Member States may, in exceptional situations, authorise the non-commercial movement into their territory of pet animals which do not comply with the conditions in Regulation (EU) 756/2013.
Temporary exceptional humanitarian arrangements have therefore been put in place for refugees from Ukraine. They are allowed to enter Ireland with their accompanying pets under specific conditions. This includes pre-notification by email the point of entry they will be arriving to in advance and animals must be presented to Department staff at the point of entry for examination.
Where these pets are not fully compliant with EU regulations, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine veterinary services are taking steps to bring these animals into compliance with the legislative travel requirements, to protect our domestic population and protect public health. These measures include, as determined to be necessary in each case, microchipping animals, providing tapeworm treatment and rabies vaccination. All non-compliant pets must then be home isolated for a minimum of four months after vaccination, and undergo a blood test, paid for by the Department. Instructions are given to owners in both English and Ukrainian. These exceptional response measures are being kept under review and arrangements for official isolation are available when deemed necessary.
It is important to note that these exceptional measures only apply to accompanied pets from Ukraine.
All other movements of animals (including unaccompanied pet animals, commercial, unknown origin, stray animals, animals from shelters) that do not meet regular requirements for entry, cannot be accepted into Ireland without full compliance with legislatively prescribed health certification.
My Department has a Division, the National Disease Control Centre, which monitors, undertakes preparatory work for any required response in respect of exotic diseases in Ireland. Awareness posters are present at arrival points to the EU in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 2019/2122. Information is provided to importers of animals as to requirements and risks
The Animal Health and Welfare Act (2013) outlines measures which my Department can take in the event of a disease outbreak.
Zoonoses - diseases that pass between animals and humans - have always been and continue to be of relevance and concern in the public health area, especially for those that interface directly with animals and animal products. Such risks are mitigated against through awareness, information campaigns and general hygienic practices. Where specific additional specific risks may be expected, vaccination may be considered in certain situation. Public Health advise is a matter for the Department of Health and the HSE, with whom my Department works closely as part of One Health.
The European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulation 2011 restricts the importation, distribution, sale or release of approximately 70 species of plants and animals considered to be harmful invasive alien species of national concern. It is an offence to breed, reproduce or release an animal listed as an invasive alien species.
Animals covered by the EU Habitats Directive, such as otters and bats, are afforded strict protection and may not be sold in pet shop.
