Vol. 510 No. 3
23 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the current incidence of tuberculosis in cattle compared to 1998; the reason there is an increased incidence in the cattle herd; the research carried out on the level of tuberculosis transmitted through badgers; if he accepts that there is inadequate compensation for reactor cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22580/99]
While considerable progress has been made in reducing the incidence of bovine tuberculosis it has not been possible to eradicate the disease from the national herd. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that 99.5 per cent of cattle are free of TB and the scheme in place facilitates the continued trading of livestock and livestock products to EU and third countries.
TB levels tend to be cyclical and, unfortunately, the rate of disclosure of reactors was considerably higher in 1998 than preceding years, and this trend continued this year. A detailed review of the precise causes of the high level of the disease is being undertaken and the outcome of this review will be discussed shortly with the farming bodies and veterinary groups in the Animal Health Forum.
As regards research, a number of 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 wildlife, as well as establishing the best possible information on the causes of the disease spread.
The scientific community generally accepts the role of the badger in the spread of bovine tuberculosis and there is a growing body of evidence to support this opinion. Research work on this aspect is currently ongoing in the special areas, namely the east Offaly project which was initiated in 1988 and projects in parts of Donegal, Kilkenny, Cork north and Monaghan which were initiated in 1997, as well as on the development of a vaccine for possible use in wildlife. One of the purposes of removals under the projects is to demonstrate the actual level of infection in a representative sample of the badger population. Of the badgers removed in 1998 from the four new areas, 24 per cent had confirmed tuberculosis.
I do not accept that there is inadequate compensation for reactor cattle. Grants paid under the TB and brucellosis eradication schemes are intended broadly to bridge the gap between the salvage value received by the herdowner from the meat plant and the cost of a replacement commercial animal and that is what is happening generally. My Department monitors the level of grant rates on an ongoing basis.
We are back to the old long-playing record regarding the incidence of TB. I thought we would have moved away from that in recent years, but unfortunately according the Minister's figures TB is on the increase.
I have listened for years about the incidence of TB which is carried by badgers. According to the Minister 24 per cent of badgers were found to have the disease. Following all the surveys and scientific research what will the Department do with regard to badgers? Has the Minister accepted that they are one of the greatest conduits for carrying the disease to our national herd? If this is so, then after all the years of research it is time the Minister said what he will do about badgers.
For many years I have been told that scientifically we would soon get to the stage where we would have a blood sample test to replace the tuberculin test which is not as accurate as it should be. I must confess that this matter has been discussed for an awfully long time. Ten years ago people convinced me that we were almost at the point of having a blood test which would be much more accurate. Will the Minister give an indication as to whether we will ever have a blood test and, if so, when it will be introduced?
Surely the Minister must accept that reactor prices being received by farmers are far below the market value in many cases. Will he give some indication as to when reactor prices will be increased?
I said that 24 per cent of badgers were confirmed to have tuberculosis. We are looking at ways and means of overcoming the wildlife problem, be it by vaccination or otherwise. That work is ongoing. I can report nothing definite at this time, but wildlife have clearly been identified as part of the problem.
Regarding blood samples, I will get the information regarding progress as I do not seem to have it with me. It might be a way around the problem. However, I point out to the Deputy that we had only about 44,000 reactors out of a national herd of almost eight million animals. I also wish to point out that while the issue often looks devastating and quite serious, there are only 6,000 herds locked up. These statistics, which are approximate, may be of help to the Deputy in alleviating his concerns.
Compensation is quite generous, but will always have to be under the level of the commercial value of the stock. If compensation was higher it would have the effect of encouraging people, and there is a certain number of problems and mischief in this area with people seeing more profit in reactors than in quality and reactor free animals. From time to time a number of people are investigated by my Department.
I am very surprised there is not a greater emphasis in the Department on blood sampling. I thought that would be a hugely important matter, but the Minister did not even refer to it.
