Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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295. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of cattle herds in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in which no additional animals were bought but which still failed the tuberculosis test in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26179/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The data in the table below shows the total number of TB Breakdowns for each year requested. It also shows the last time those herds purchased in animals on foot of a clear TB test.

The Deputy will notice that 95% of herds that had a breakdown had moved in animals within the two years prior to the breakdown. Only 1.5% of herds that had a breakdown had not moved animals in within the preceding six years.

While herdowners are free to trade animals after two clear tests, it does not mean that the risk of those animals developing TB in the future is zero. Research has shown that animals present during a breakdown are at a higher risk of subsequently becoming a reactor.