Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:212 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to the eradication of bovine tuberculosis and bru cellosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25873/03]
Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.
The current bovine tuberculosis eradication scheme complies with the relevant EU legislation. It has been successful in reducing the level of tuberculosis from 17% of animals in 1955 to 0.3% of animals today. The maintenance of this low level of disease makes it possible for Ireland to trade internationally. Since 90% of bovines are exported it is of immense benefit to the Irish economy.
There has been a steady decline in the numbers of TB reactors since 1999 when 44,900 reactors were identified compared with less than 29,000 in 2002. Similar numbers of reactors are likely to be identified this year. Further progress towards final eradication is constrained by the presence of a wildlife reservoir of infection. In this regard my Department operates an active wildlife programme nationwide and the four area badger study has just been completed. The final report on the result of the study is being prepared for publication.
My Department has also in place an ongoing research programme. It liaises with international bodies and organisations on developments in TB eradication.
In 1986 Ireland was declared to be officially brucellosis free. Significant progress was made in the initial stages of the brucellosis eradication programme but the disease was not fully eradicated. From the mid 1990s onwards the situation deteriorated. During 1997 and subsequent years a series of measures were introduced to address the problem.
The full impact of the measures is being kept under review but significant progress has been made since 1998. During 2002 1,679 reactor animals were identified compared with 3,142 in 2001, 3,729 in 2000, 4,545 in 1999 and 6,417 in 1998. The 2002 figure represents a 74 % decrease on the 1998 figure. The number of newly restricted herds has fallen from 1,081 in 1998 to 430 in 2002, a 60 % decrease. The improvement in this situation has continued in 2003. If current control measures are maintained the improvement shown in recent years will continue.