Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor More for his very interesting and insightful presentation. Under the pre-movement test which is being proposed at European level for adoption, including in Ireland, if a herd is six months out of test, it must have a pre-movement test within 30 days of movement. Is there any scientific basis for that being of assistance to the eradication programme? Would it be productive in any way or make an impact?

Overall, Professor More is saying is that the introduction of a risk-based movement system made the difference in Australia and New Zealand and that it is absolutely essential if we are to get close to eradication here.

On deer, the Professor mentioned that TB is re-emerging in some European countries and he referred to deer in that regard. Is there conclusive evidence of deer infecting cattle with TB in any country? He indicated that the intensity of the deer presence may be of consequence and referred to fodder being shared. In those instances, was there proof of TB transfer or just suspicion? If there is such proof, I ask him to elaborate on the mechanisms by which TB is transferable from deer to cattle.