Vol. 536 No. 3
108 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if there has been reported cases of equine viral arteritis here; the procedure and plans his Department has in place to ensure that this is not imported into the State; the checks and tests in place to ensure that imported stallions cannot infect the Irish mare population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14084/01]
I am not aware of any cases of equine viral arteritis in this country. The importation of horses is governed by Community legislation which establishes the animal health conditions and veterinary certification for imports of equidae for breeding purposes from other members states and third countries. Under these conditions, the veterinary inspectorate in the competent authority of the country of departure has to certify that EVA has not been officially recorded in the animal during the last six months.
Stallions used for mating in this country are tested for their EVA status prior to mating and, if found positive, they are not allowed to mate. In addition, only EVA-free stallions are registered with the Irish Horse Board. A common code of practice for the control of venereal diseases, including EVA, has been put in place in use by the breeding industry. These codes aim to help breeders minimise the risk of venereal disease in the horse population by making recommendations for disease prevention and control during the breeding season.
