John Moloney
Ceist:135 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress made on the eradication of brucellosis from the national cattle herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25419/01]
Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.
Following a period where the incidence of brucellosis was relatively stable at a low level, the situation deteriorated in the period 1996 to 1998. As a consequence I introduced a number of additional remedial measures to the brucellosis eradication programme. These included a statutory one sale, 30 day pre-movement test, the monitoring of cow slaughterings at meat plants, and the replacement of the serum agglutination test on blood samples by the elisa test.
In addition, the milk ring test is in the process of being replaced by a whey eliza test in the brucellosis laboratory. These additional and improved tests are helping to identify brucellosis breakdowns at an earlier stage, allowing for earlier intervention in herds and reducing the risk of contiguous spread. The current regime was reviewed during 1999 by an EU food and veterinary office mission and its report broadly endorsed the measures in place.
I am pleased to say that as a result of the various initiatives a number of positive factors are emerging to indicate that the incidence of this disease is declining and it is intended that the current level of testing and other control measures be maintained until such time as total eradication is achieved.