Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

The Deputy raises the important issue of the Schmallenberg virus, SBV, which was confirmed in December 2011 following the birth of deformed lambs in the Netherlands. Its manifestation in adult cattle had been under investigation in Germany and the Netherlands since the summer-autumn of 2011. It has now been recorded in eight member states - Germany, Belgium, France, Luxemburg, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy - on about 2,000 farms in total. It is not what is called a notifiable disease as it does not meet the OIE - World Organisation for Animal Health - criteria for notification. There are currently no trade implications for the movement of animals or products within the European Union and animals may move subject to normal health inspection and certification systems.

The Schmallenberg virus is newly emerged and we are still trying to understand it fully. The information available on it suggests it is part of the Simbu sero-group of viruses which are mostly found in ruminants in Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East and primarily transmitted by insect vectors, most commonly midges, with no direct transmission from animal to animal. Vertical transmission is suspected, given the infections of foetuses. The virus can be identified through PCR testing. There is currently no blood test available for large-scale testing, but work is in place to develop one. No vaccines are available.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

The European Commission, in collaboration with member states through the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, has published a guidance document on its website in which it sets out full details of the knowledge to date on the virus and procedures for providing surveillance data for the European Food Safety Authority which has been tasked with providing a full report on the virus by the end of May. An interim report is due by 31 March. The Commission is also working to dissuade third countries from placing restrictions on trade, as, in line with OIE recommendations, there is no justification for a ban on milk or meat as these commodities do not pose a risk for Schmallenberg virus transmission. The Commissioner briefed yesterday's Agriculture Council on this point.

There is no evidence to suggest the disease is transmissible to humans. To date, people who have been in close contact with infected animals, for example, animal workers, farmers and veterinarians, have not reported any unusual illness. The European Food Safety Authority, the European Centre for Disease Control and the animal and human health authorities at national level are collaborating to ensure rapid detection of any change in the epidemiology of animals and humans.

There is no evidence the virus is present in this country. Equally, there is no proof in the absence of tools for sero-surveillance that it is not present here. My Department has notified relevant persons such as veterinary staff and PVPs to report and submit samples of any animals showing unexplained clinical symptoms of SBV or suspect birth defects. Samples from 63 animals tested to date in the Department's laboratory from animals presenting with clinical signs that may be associated with infection have tested negative.

Applying additional controls at entry points would not add anything by way of increased bio-security. Such a move would also be contrary to European animal health law. Single Market rules preclude member states from interfering with intra-Union trade in animals, except on legitimate animal health grounds. Accordingly, animals are free to move in trade in the Union provided they are certified as being compliant with animal health rules. My Department always urges importers to ensure imports are fully compliant with EU rules and that they operate to the highest standards of bio-security to ensure no diseases are introduced to Ireland via such imports or the vehicles transporting them.

We will continue to monitor the developing situation, maintain close contact with the Commission and our EU colleagues, including in Northern Ireland, and review and modify our response, as appropriate, in the light of new information that becomes available or with the development of new testing capabilities.

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