Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 902: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation with regard to introducing an effective scheme to deal with Johne's disease (details supplied). [25750/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Following my Department's decision in 2003 to discontinue the policy of slaughtering affected animals, with consequent compensation payment, a strategic review of the optimal approach to tackling the disease was initiated in consultation with relevant interests. The testing and culling of animals infected with Johne's disease has been found, both at home and internationally, to be ineffective as a method of control for this disease. Sustained on-farm management of the disease over a number of years is the only effective strategy in tackling Johne's disease. This requires farmers to have a particular focus on calf-rearing and other bio-security practices. The strategy being developed will, therefore, involve short-term and long-term elements. Funding has been provided for diagnostic support at the central veterinary research laboratory.

In 2005, my Department commenced a random survey using the bovine blood samples submitted as part of the brucellosis eradication programme to the Department's laboratory in Cork. When this survey is completed, the results will be analysed and will form the basis for indicating the percentage of the national herd that may be affected by this condition. My Department is in ongoing discussion with the industry, farmers' representatives, veterinary surgeons and interested parties about the development of a national integrated approach to non-regulated diseases such as Johne's, bovine viral diarrhoea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, etc. My Department would consider supporting, in an appropriate manner, an industry led comprehensive initiative, including accreditation programmes, if such is the chosen course of action.