Written answers

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Department of Agriculture and Food

Potato Disease

10:00 pm

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the disease in seed potatoes similar to foot and mouth disease in animals; and the action he is taking to ensure that the spread of this disease is contained and eradicated in due course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4605/04]

Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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I presume the Deputy is referring to an outbreak of ring rot on a farm in Wales, which occurred in November 2003.

Ring rot is a bacterial disease that only affects potatoes. It is not airborne and does not survive in soil without a host crop, but it can survive for some time on machinery, handling equipment and stores. Ring rot is primarily introduced by the planting of infected seed potatoes.

Under Council Directive 93/85/EEC all member states are obliged to carry out annual surveys for ring rot. The directive also lays down detailed measures, which must be observed in relation to the detection, prevention, spread and eradication of the pathogen. Last year my Department took 600 samples under the survey across the whole potato sector involving the national crop of seed and ware and imports from the EU and third countries. The sampling regime is based on risk analysis and to date all samples have proved negative for ring rot.

A single infection of ring rot on one farm in Wales in November 2003 was confirmed. This triggered a review of our measures, which have proven adequate to date. I will continue to monitor the situation in the United Kingdom closely in consultation with the authorities there.

In addition, testing for ring rot is being reviewed in the context of the risks involved and all commercial growers, with the co-operation of the IFA, have been asked to identify their seed source to supplement existing information for risk assessment for the disease. Some re-orientation of existing controls, with an increase in inspection levels, follow-up sampling and testing has also been undertaken.

Growers and traders have been advised as to what precautions should be taken to reduce the risks of an outbreak and spread of the disease. Such measures include good rotation and hygiene and the purchasing of seed, from reliable sources. Traders should ensure that there is proper labelling and documentation and deal only in quality potato products, at all times.

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