Written Answers. - Animal Diseases.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:
120
Mr. Eamon Ryan
asked the
Minister for Agriculture and Food
the position with regard to resolving the mystery of animal deaths in the Askeaton area; and the ongoing role of his Department in helping farm families affected by the mysterious illness and death of animals in the area.
[25616/03]
The reported animal disease problems in the Askeaton area were the subject of a comprehensive multi-agency, multi-million euro investigation under the auspices of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, that was conducted over a number of years.
The report of this investigation which was published in August 2001 concluded,inter alia, that environmental pollution, toxic substances in the diet, soil composition anomalies and herbage composition anomalies are unlikely causes of animal health problems on the main farms investigated; the reason for the animal health problems on these farms could not be specifically identified both because of the retrospective nature of the investigations and the limited involvement of specialist veterinary pathology services during the period the problems were at their worst i.e. from 1988 to 1993. However, many of the problems reported were of a type commonly seen on farms elsewhere and there is evidence from the available historical information of the involvement of on-farm infectious, nutritional and management factors; while there was undoubtedly an unusually high incidence of animal disease on a small number of farms in the Askeaton area in addition to the main farms, neither the number of farms involved nor their geographical spread suggests this provides evidence of a phenomenon affecting the wider Askeaton area as a whole; and, given the animal health study findings, there is little cause for concern that the problems in the Askeaton area posed a threat to human health.
In the view of the Department there is no evidence to suggest there has been a deterioration in the general animal health situation in the area since the investigation concluded. On that basis I do not believe that there are currently grounds which would justify embarking on any further animal health investigation in the area or the further commitment of significant human and financial resources which this would imply. Where individual problems occur, as they do on farms throughout the country, the veterinary laboratory service of my Department is available to support local veterinary practitioners and their clients and this will remain the case. With regard to Askeaton, the regional veterinary office provides services free of charge where the PVP deems tests to be necessary.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:
121
Ms O. Mitchell
asked the
Minister for Agriculture and Food
if his attention has been drawn to the spread of CLA among sheep; the way in which this disease originated; the frequency with which it occurs; the compensation available to herd owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[25484/03]
I am aware that a number of sheep flocks in Ireland have been infected with caseous lymphadenitis or CLA. CLA is a bacterial disease of sheep and goats that can cause economic losses in the form of poor weight gain, lower wool yield, reproductive inefficiency, devaluation of hides and condemnation of carcasses at slaughter. It is not possible to be definitive about the origin of the disease in Ireland, although a number of cases in recent years can be linked to imports of breeding stock. It is equally difficult to be certain about the number of cases because there is no readily available test which would facilitate screening for the disease. However, there are grounds for believing that there is substantial under reporting of the disease and the available evidence suggests that the disease is common in many flocks.
In Ireland this disease is categorised as a class A disease under the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 and it is compulsorily notifiable. Until recently affected flocks were restricted, with sales for slaughter permitted, but sales for breeding and fattening prohibited. However, the disease is not categorised as a class A disease under current OIE rules and is not regarded as being of human health concern.
Against this background I recently announced that in future, flocks in which CLA has been confirmed would not be restricted other than in exceptional cases where this was considered necessary. However, the disease will retain its class A status in Ireland, and will remain compulsorily notifiable. This will facilitate an ongoing evaluation of case numbers and allow my Department to take action in exceptional cases where this is considered necessary.
In addition, in July of this year, my Department issued an advice note to every flock owner in the country to assist them in identifying the clinical signs of the disease, in understanding how it is spread, in protecting their flocks, in reducing the risk of the disease spreading and in dealing with suspect cases. In this context the primary responsibility for tackling this disease, and the most effective means of doing so, rests with the sheep sector itself. I urge farming bodies, breed societies and flock owners themselves encouraging greater effort in this area.
With regard to the question of compensation, my Department does not have a compensation scheme for affected flock owners. However, in the past, and in the context of a regime which prohibited the sale of breeding stock from affected flocks, my Department from time to time madeex gratia payments in respect of the depopulation of sheep to pedigree flock owners whose primary business was effectively prevented by such a restriction.
The question of providing such compensation future cases does not arise. However, my Department is considering the question of makingex gratia payments to a small number of farmers whose flocks were restricted under the previous regime. I expect this matter will be finalised and offers made to these farmers in the near future.
