asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the serious threat to the livelihoods of farmers and their families in the Ballinahown area of Counties Westmeath and Offaly resulting from widespread bovine TB which appears to be more prominent in the area due to sandhills, a source of breeding ground for large numbers of badgers; if he has satisfied himself that diseased badgers are giving rise to an unduly high incidence of bovine TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Bovine TB Incidence.
93.
I am aware that there is a serious TB problem in the areas referred to. The director of ERAD has informed me that particular attention is being devoted to all such problem areas during the current round of testing and substantial resources have been made available with a view to reducing disease levels.
The causes of infection in the Offaly/Westmeath areas have been the subject of special investigations for some time and all possible sources are being thoroughly examined. This, of course, includes the role of wildlife, in consultation with the Wildlife Service. Progress on the problem is being closely monitored by ERAD officials and the situation is being kept under continuous review.