Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 377 of 27 June 2006 regarding equine infectious anemia, if she will furnish a response to the issues raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3585/07]

Mary Wallace (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The issue raised in the Deputy's question of 27 June 2006 continues to be the subject of a thorough and comprehensive investigation by our Department, as part of which officials have travelled overseas to consult with international colleagues.

An extensive amount of information has been gathered as part of the investigation which is currently being assessed. It is not possible at this stage to state when the investigation will be concluded other than to say that it remains our position that if sufficient evidence is gathered to support a prosecution, we will seek to have the case prosecuted through the courts. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, in view of the circumstances, that it would be entirely inappropriate for us to comment any further on the progress of the investigation.

As regards the disease, the position is that since the initial case was confirmed in June 2006, the Department has taken very significant steps to contain the outbreak and progress its eradication and to protect the valuable Irish bloodstock industry.

To date, 28 cases have been confirmed, the most recent on 10 December 2006 — over eight weeks ago. This is, by some considerable distance, the longest interval between any two previous cases and, with over 14,000 blood samples having been tested last month, gives increasing confidence that the outbreak has been contained and we are well on the way to its eradication. Monitoring is continuing and the Department is currently following up a suspect case where there is an inconclusive test result.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for her response. I am concerned that seven months after the initial outbreak was reported, the Department is still investigating it. We all know what is circulating on the rumour machine. It is critically important if prosecutions are to be taken that action is swift and the necessary evidence is garnered as quickly as possible. This particular incident had the potential to decimate the industry in this country. I acknowledge that the Department is doing everything in its power to fully investigate it, but it is critically important that its action is seen to be swift.

Second, will the Minister of State outline the steps being taken to support owners of animals which have been inadvertently infected by swamp fever? There are a number of cases of which she will be aware. What measures, such as financial supports and scientific and veterinary expertise, are being provided to the owners?

Mary Wallace (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is continuing to progress the investigation into the circumstances in which the disease was first introduced to the country. The investigation is a comprehensive one and the Department will, in the event of sufficient evidence being established, endeavour to pursue a prosecution. Due to the nature of the investigation, the Department is not in a position to comment further on its progress at this stage.

On Deputy Naughten's second question, the Department is paying for the testing. There has been a comprehensive surveillance programme, the cost of which was largely borne by the Department. Separately, the Department provides a financial contribution for each visit by a vet to take blood samples from horses, subject to movement restrictions, and also covers the cost to the Irish Equine Centre of analysing the samples.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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As this is clearly of such significance to the horse industry, are there any changes in the protocol, quality control and quality assurance procedures arising that should be applied to the importing of other batches of that product and similar biological products?

Mary Wallace (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Veterinary Council is dealing with that and has introduced new protocols. The Department has given advice to horse owners and in view of the veterinary association involvement in this matter, the Department is reiterating the advice consistently given over the past five months that veterinary practitioners should at all times observe the highest standards of hygiene and should ensure that in all circumstances contaminated veterinary instruments are either appropriately disposed of or thoroughly sterilised before reuse.

The most recent of the 28 cases was confirmed on 10 December 2006. That is over eight weeks ago, or 57 days. Prior to this, the longest period between cases had been 27 days, 25 days and 20 days, respectively. This period of 57 days since 10 December last is important and we hope that the outlook is improving.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Is the Department specifically investigating the issue of the 57-day period? Based on that period and on the history of the disease to date, it would seem that there may be some other reservoir at play. What is the Department's view in that regard?

Some of the owners of these animals are small operators who rely solely on the income from them. They have been left without an income through no fault of their own. It is not acceptable that the Department, while paying part of the costs of veterinary expenses, should leave these people without an income when this was completely outside their control. This matter needs to be addressed by the Department.

Mary Wallace (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I stress that the Department has made clear that it does not intend to make any contribution to horse owners in respect of losses claimed to have occurred as a consequence of being restricted.

On vigilance, testing and the 57-day period of which I spoke, no doubt a great deal of testing has taken place in this area. There have been 14,000 negative tests in January alone, we have completed the targeted surveillance programme and a further 10,000 samples should be tested by the end of March. We are increasing confidence in this area and are working with the industry. We continue to keep the industry updated and we acknowledge the work of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the stud masters. Everyone is working together because of the importance of the industry.

The lengthening intervals between cases is giving comfort and reassurance that the situation is stable and the outbreak contained, but there is no room for complacency. Despite the progress made to date there is a need to maintain vigilance and continue testing. The Department and the industry must continue to work together for the benefit of the Irish bloodstock industry and to ensure the disease is finally eradicated from Ireland with all reasonable steps taken to prevent its introduction.