Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:137 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, he has taken since coming into office to combat bovine diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28107/98]
Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of outbreaks of bovine tuberculosis reported to him since he came into office; the action, if any, undertaken by way of response with particular reference to the need to ensure the highest possible quality animal health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28109/98]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cases of bovine brucellosis reported to him since he came into office; the action, if any, taken in response by way of ensuring the highest quality of animal health protection of markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28110/98]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:143 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action, if any, taken in the event of outbreaks of brucellosis, BSE or bovine tuberculosis to ensure consumer confidence and the highest possible standards of production and processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28115/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 139, 140 and 143 together.
The bovine tuberculosis level tends to be cyclical and the 1997 level was the lowest recorded for many years. Unfortunately, the rate of disclosure of TB reactors is higher this year than in recent years. An analysis of the reasons for the increase is currently being undertaken and the results will be discussed with the veterinary groups on a scientific sub-group of the animal health forum when these are available.
Research projects including the specialised work of the TB investigation unit are continuing with the aim of providing new technologies required to eradicate TB. The research is focused in particular on the role of the badger as well as establishing the best possible information on the causes of the disease spread.
In relation to the current brucellosis situation and in consultation with the animal health forum a number of new measures have been introduced to combat the disease as follows: from 23 February 1998 all female cattle and bulls over 12 months of age being moved into or out of holdings (other than direct to a slaughter premises) must have passed a blood test within 30 days preceding the date of movement; from the same date, bulls over 12 months and female cattle over 18 months of age may not be sold more than once, whether by public or private sale on foot of a brucellosis test and such cattle being sold must be moved from the holding where tests are undertaken direct to either the purchaser's holding or direct to a mart and from there direct to the purchaser's holding; a full round of blood testing for all eligible cattle in 1998 to augment and complement existing arrangements including monthly milk ring testing; revamped administrative procedures in my Department's local offices to deal more effectively with herds with brucellosis reactors and those contiguous to such herds; arrangements to speed up the completion of blood tests and the improved notification of results; early removal of reactors and steps to improve detection of irregularities; increased epidemiology work by my Department's veterinary staff; an awareness/advisory campaign to update farmers and others on farm husbandry and management practices to curtail the spread of brucellosis; a restructured and revamped compensation regime.
The arrangements to be applied for both TB and brucellosis for 1999 are kept under review in consultation with the animal health forum.
As regards BSE, my Department operates extensive surveillance and control procedures aimed at reducing the possibility of exposure of cattle to the BSE agent through the ingestion of contaminated feed and simultaneously providing safety assurance to consumers. Where a BSE suspect is identified the herd in question is immediately placed under official restriction and quarantined.
Once BSE is not ruled out, suspects are slaughtered and the brains taken to the Veterinary Research Laboratory for examination. Herds in which a BSE case is confirmed are slaughtered in a dedicated licensed plant, the carcases of these animals are rendered in a dedicated rendering plant and the meat and bonemeal and tallow produced are incinerated. Also slaughtered at the same plant and products therefrom disposed of in the same way are: all animals which had been previously imported from the UK; the progeny of BSE positive animals and birth cohorts of BSE positive animals.
The number of herds restricted due to TB and brucellosis in recent years are as follows:
|
Year |
TB |
Brucellosis |
|
Herds Restricted |
Herds Restricted |
|
|
1997 |
4,111 |
823 |
|
1998 (to date) |
6,156 |
1,017 |
The number of confirmed clinical BSE cases was 77 in 1997 and 69 up to the end of November 1998.
The issue of consumer confidence is of paramount concern, as evidenced by the establishment of the Food Safety Authority, and my Department will continue to apply stringent control measures in order to minimise risks to consumers.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of cases of BSE reported to him since he came into office; the action, if any, undertaken by way of response with particular reference with the need to ensure the highest possible quality animal health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28108/98]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the way in which his Department will address animal health breakdown with particular reference to BSE; the degree to which efforts are made to trace the source of the infection; the procedures followed to isolate possible sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28111/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 141 together.
From 1989 to the end of November this year, 334 cases of clinical BSE have been recorded.
The following controls listed are aimed at removing the possibility of exposure of cattle to the BSE agent through the ingestion of contaminated feed and simultaneously provide the best possible assurance of the consumption of Irish beef.
1. A surveillance system is in place and all cattle slaughtered in Ireland are subjected to ante-mortem examination. at the licensed slaughter plant, by an authorised veterinarian.
2. Herds in which a BSE case is diagnosed are slaughtered in a dedicated licensed plant, the carcases of these animals are rendered in a dedicated rendering plant and the meat and bone meal (MBM) and tallow produced are incinerated. Also slaughtered at the same plant and products therefrom disposed of in the same way are:
all animals which had been previously imported from the UK; the progeny of BSE-positive animals; birth cohorts of BSE-positive animals.
3. Knackeries which handle animals dying on-farm are licensed and are operated under the supervision of DAF staff.
4. Specified risk materials (SRMs) (defined as (a) the skull, the brain, the eyes, the tonsils and spinal cord of a bovine animal aged over 12 months, and (b) the skull, the brain, the eyes, the tonsils, and spinal cord of a caprine or ovine animal which has a permanent incisor tooth erupted through the gum. and the spleen of a caprine or ovine animal) are removed from the carcases of cattle and sheep at all slaughter plants and knackeries and are rendered at a dedicated rendering plant.
5. The offals remaining after 4 above are rendered at 133ºC, bar 3 for 20 minutes in accordance with EU rules.
6. The sale, purchase and use of the MBM produced by the process described at 5 above is controlled by licence. Only feedmills which solely produce pig or poultry rations and farmers dedicated to pig or poultry production are granted licences to purchase and use mammalian MBM.
7. Detailed epidemiological investigations to trace the source of the infection are undertaken on each confirmed case of BSE. Cumulatively this comprises a comprehensive range of control measures and the control system has been the subject of very considerable inspection by veterinary authorities in countries which import from us.