Vol. 527 No. 3
162 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he can account for all fallen animals buried on Irish farms; and if all carcases above and below ground and live farm animals are to be tested for BSE. [28517/00]
According to figures available to my Department, a total of approximately 100,000 bovine animals die on Irish farms each year. The majority of these animals are collected by fallen animal collectors. Certain of these animals are buried under licence, issued by the district veterinary office, where no such collection facility is available. My Department has commenced a testing programme on fallen animals and other categories of animals using a rapid BSE test. There is currently no BSE test available for use on live animals.
