Vol. 548 No. 4
1 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress which has been made to date with the cull of sheep flocks with a history of scrapie; the number of extra flocks it is intended to cull; the length of time the operation is expected to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4916/02]
A combination of factors, including in particular its increasing profile as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in the same family of diseases as BSE, has led to a more proactive approach to the eradication of the disease from the national flock. In this regard, and on the basis of veterinary advice, it has been decided to depopulate all flocks which have had a case of scrapie since 1 January 1999. The flock owners concerned will not be permitted to restock with sheep for a period of two years from the date of depopulation. Flocks which have had a case prior to 1 January 1999 are being examined and a decision on whether similar action will be required in these cases will be made on a case by case basis. Up to 12 February 2002, 44 flocks have been depopulated and a 45th is in the process of being depopulated. This will complete the depopulations of the current tranche of cases.
For the present, it is intended to continue to depopulate flocks in which scrapie is diagnosed. In 2002, however, this policy will be accompanied by a far more intensive active surveillance programme comprising a minimum of 60,000 rapid tests for scrapie at slaughterhouses. This will assist us in determining the incidence of scrapie and its geographical distribution, and will provide the basis for a review of the present policy later this year.
Breeding resistance to scrapie through genotyping has been proposed in a number of quarters as a possible alternative to flock depopulation. The developing science in this area is being kept under close review by experts in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. However, their view is that, for the present, the science is not sufficiently definitive and, in particular, that the possibility exists that resistant sheep simply mask the scrapie prion and harbour infection which does not manifest itself clinically. This concern mirrors that expressed by the European Union's scientific steering committee in an opinion adopted on 18-19 October 2001 which called for further work to be done to validate the genotyping approach and, in particular, to investigate whether scrapie resistant sheep could, in fact, be silent carriers of the disease.
In view of the scientific uncertainty surrounding the genotyping approach, it is not considered appropriate at this stage to embark on such a programme on a national scale or seek to rely on such a programme to safeguard the future of the sheep sector. However, the experimental genotyping work being undertaken here with a limited number of flocks will continue. In addition, sheep which test positive for scrapie will be genotyped.
Apart altogether from the human health concerns that may or may not exist, the presence of scrapie in the national flock is a very considerable issue for the sheep sector. It is, therefore, clearly in the interests of the sector that everything possible is done to eradicate the disease. While genotyping might well be the best option when and if the science is clarified, for the present, it remains the case that national policy will focus on a multi-strand approach of additional surveillance, depopulation where appropriate, and the continuation of research into the value of genotyping on an experimental basis.
I am grateful to the Minister for his reply. While I understand his reservations about the science of genotyping, is he in a position to say depopulation is, in fact, a more reliable way of combating this disease and what evidence is there for this? Why has there been such a delay in depopulating the flocks first identified as showing scrapie on 1 January 1999? Is the Minister aware that a number of flock owners were told last October their herds would be depopulated and that they have been waiting for three or four months for this to take place? Is he also aware they have incurred costs during that period in feeding and keeping sheep from which they will get no return? Is he further aware that all these flocks have lambed in that period and that the business of looking at a flock lambing, helping the flock to lamb and bringing the lambs into the world, knowing they will be destroyed, is a very traumatic experience for farmers which has been drawn out over an excessively lengthy period? Will he finally tell us what he is doing to avoid a repetition of the fiasco that happened in regard to the weighing of sheep for the purpose of operating the scheme?
Clearly, the best scientific advice available to me is that we should take the depopulation route together with research into genotyping, which is what is being done. On the slowness in taking out flocks, this was brought about because of the difficulty in reaching agreement with the representatives of the sheep owners in regard to a compensation package. However, that issue was finalised a few weeks ago and I expect the programme will now continue at an accelerated pace. Any difficulties that arose in regard to weighing and so on have been fairly well documented. The fact is that the equipment involved has been tested by third parties and found to be in order. I expect there will be no recurrence of that particular episode.
Is there time to ask a supplementary question?
Unfortunately, there is not. It has been six minutes.
A Cheann Comhairle, would it be possible for you, through your good offices, however informally, to acquaint Departments with the limits we have in order that they do not produce lengthy replies for Ministers which take up most of the available time.
That is a matter for the various Ministers.
Let me say with great respect that we, in the House, rely on you to be our champion in these matters. I am quite sure, Sir, your influence will be very valuable with Departments.
The Chair has no control over these matters.
We have a much higher opinion of you, Sir.
I am sure the Minister has taken note of what the Deputy said.
