Bovine Diseases.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004

Wednesday, 13 October 2004

Ceisteanna (5)

Mary Upton

Ceist:

6 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the discovery in recent weeks of another case of BSE in an animal born after the imposition of the ban on the use of meat and bonemeal in animal feed; the number of such cases discovered since the ban was imposed; the number of BSE cases to date in 2004 and the way in which this compares with the same period in 2003; if she has satisfied herself with the measures in place to combat BSE in animals born before and after the ban; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24479/04]

Freagraí ó Béal (8 píosaí cainte)

Mary Coughlan

I assume the Deputy's question refers to the incidence of BSE in animals born after enhanced control measures on meat and bonemeal, specified risk materials and the processing of mammalian waste were introduced in 1996 and 1997. I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers which involves a cow born in 1998 and identified on a farm in County Mayo. Epidemiological investigations are carried out into the feeding regimes of all herds in which BSE is identified with particular attention being paid to herds in which the disease occurs in animals born after the feed controls were re-enforced in 1996 and 1997. The investigation in this particular case is ongoing.

The diagnosis of BSE in a small number of animals born after 1997 is to be expected. To date, six animals born after 1997 have been diagnosed with BSE. My Department had always foreseen the likelihood that on occasion individual cases would arise due to circumstances specific to particular farms and in contrast to the general trend as the incidence of the disease in the national herd receded. There is no basis for suspecting that the case mentioned or other such isolated cases are indicative of a systemic failure in controls or of a reversal of or deviation from the overall positive trend in the incidence of BSE in Ireland.

In 2004, 100 cases were confirmed to 9 October compared with 144 in the same period in 2003. This is a reduction of 30%. Of confirmed cases, 96% occurred in animals born prior to the introduction of the additional controls. The shift in age profile of BSE cases as well as a reduction in case numbers indicates that the additional controls introduced in 1996-97 have been effective in significantly reducing the exposure of animals born subsequently to the infectious agent. It is expected that the incidence of the disease will continue to decline as cows born prior to 1998 leave the system.

Dr. Upton

It is of some concern that in the period since the ban was imposed a total of 13 cases have occurred in animals born in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Admittedly, the cases occurred sporadically around the country. There is a need for thorough investigation, particularly in the most recent case in respect of which it appears the ban should have been in force for quite a number of years. If the ban had been effective it would no longer have been reasonable to associate the disease with meat and bonemeal. Is it that meat and bonemeal are somehow or another getting into the feed chain?

Can the Minister assure me that the Department is monitoring all relevant research and developments in this area? If all infected meat and bonemeal has been removed from the feed chain why then is BSE still emerging? Is the Department actively pursuing the research line in that regard?

Mary Coughlan

Given the nature of the disease and its publicity in terms of concern regarding the health of the national herd, the Department was actively involved in monitoring and controlling the issue. I took the opportunity to brief myself on the matter and have been advised that when introducing the controls in 1996-97 the Department was of the opinion that there would be occasions when the disease would arise. The information available to me is that six animals, four born in 1998 and two born in 1999, have been diagnosed as having BSE. I am delighted with the reduction in the incidence of BSE by 30%. It indicates that the control measures are working. The Department always foresaw the likelihood of individual cases arising. Such cases are strenuously analysed, taking into account the concerns expressed by the Deputy. The specific case the Deputy mentioned is ongoing and the investigation will be thorough. Any lessons learned will be taken into account in the context of the overall management of the disease.

Dr. Upton

Is there any connection countrywide in terms of the cases identified post-1997? In other words, are there pockets of the country where such incidences are recurring more frequently taking particular account of animals born in 1997? Is there a geographical link?

Mary Coughlan

To the best of my knowledge, there is no geographical link. Such a possibility would have been taken into consideration when compiling research. The disease is quite sporadic.

Mr. Crawford

I congratulate the Minister on her appointment to such an important portfolio. I know she has been in her new Ministry for only a short time but has she considered the lunacy of taking out a farmer's total herd? I am aware of a case close to the Border in County Monaghan in which a farmer lost a herd he had personally built up. Had that farmer lived one mile further down the road in Northern Ireland, on the same island and within the EU, only one animal and its cohorts would have been taken out.

I was on the Government side of the House when the policy for the destruction of full herds was introduced. However, we have moved on somewhat since then as have our counterparts in Europe. Perhaps the Minister will reconsider that decision.

Mr. J. Brady

I, too, wish the Minister and her two Ministers of State well in their new portfolio. They are three very able people and I wish them well in the years ahead.

Like Deputy Crawford I know of a neighbour who recently lost his herd of 900 stock. The infected animal was closer to his neighbour's stock than to some of his. This crazy decision to take out a whole herd affects not only the taxpayer but the farmer and his family.

Mary Coughlan

I am aware that another Deputy may raise this matter at a later stage. The Department reviewed the policy quite recently. Members will be aware a report compiled by the FSAI's sub-committee on BSE found that all existing controls and regulations are strictly complied with. There is no added food safety value of a cull, something of which Deputies have spoken. We cannot under estimate the trauma imposed on a farmer who loses an animal as a result of any type of disease.

Members will be aware of the great campaign a number of years ago — some of us were on the other side of the House then — which sought to address the issue of market value as opposed to compensation payments. That matter has been dealt with. Ireland is particularly vulnerable as an exporter and in that regard we must ensure no herd is tainted. On that basis, the considered view is that we should not allow the existence of a herd, which had a perceived or real problem were we to take out only the animal infected. For example were we to take out only one or two animals and its cohorts a farmer whose herd is publicly acknowledged as having the disease may encounter difficulties. That concern must also be taken into consideration.

Given the statistics indicate a reduction in the number of animals with BSE and its potential impact on our very valuable export trade the necessity for strict controls can be reviewed on an ongoing basis. While I take on board the expressed views of the farmers' organisations, equally I take cognisance of Members' views. In that regard, these matters will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. However, I cannot give a guarantee on the floor of the House that there will be a policy change in this area.