The most significant Mycoplasma species which has been identified in Irish cattle in the last 12 months has been Mycoplasma Bovis. Last year there were 31 such cases confirmed by my Department's regional veterinary laboratories. Where an outbreak occurs the advice in general is to immediately identify infected animals and then segregate these animals. The support of the laboratory service of my Department is available to provide back-up laboratory diagnosis, advice and assistance with control of the disease in individual herds.
Herdowners are strongly advised to isolate purchased animals, particularly imported stock for as long as possible – a minimum of four weeks is recommended – during which time they should be closely monitored for clinical signs of the disease. If any clinical disease is present they should continue to isolate all the purchased animals and consult their veterinary surgeon immediately for advice.
The disease is relatively common in Ireland, as is the case throughout the EU, as is borne out by the fact over the last four years approximately 18 per cent of total bovine pneumonia cases presented to the regional veterinary laboratories were diagnosed as Mycoplasma Bovis positive.
Mycoplasma is not a notifiable disease and, therefore, my Department is not involved in any depopulation or eradication scheme. This also applies in all other EU member states. There are no funds available at my Department's disposal to pay direct compensation in respect of herds affected by the disease nor are there proposals that compensation should be paid.
