Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 94: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the extent of Johne's disease in the bovine herd here. [24253/04]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Johne's disease has a worldwide distribution and is caused by infection with mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, MAP. Most cattle are generally infected early in life by ingestion of MAP through colostrum, milk, faecal contaminated teats, water, feeds or surfaces. Adult animals can become infected but it is rare and they usually have other problems such as deficiencies with their immune system. The disease is notifiable under the Johne's Disease Order 1955.

Until 1992, strict import conditions were instrumental in ensuring that Johne's disease was relatively rare in Ireland. However, with the advent of the single market, the numbers of reported cases of the disease in this country have increased significantly. In the 50-year period from 1932 to 1982 a total of 92 animals were diagnosed with the disease. In 2002 and 2003, 100 animals and 150 animals respectively were diagnosed as having Johne's disease.

In conjunction with other stakeholders, my Department is working on the formulation of a national strategy with a view to addressing the problem of Johne's disease in a more effective manner.