John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the incidence of Johne's disease here; if her attention has been drawn to a new test using genome sequencing to get results from dung or milk which yields results in 72 hours rather than the current six to 18 weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5977/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Johne's disease is widespread in the cattle population in most of the EU member states and, indeed, worldwide. Until 1992, strict import conditions ensured that Johne's disease was relatively rare in Ireland. However, since 1993, the increase in the number of cattle imported in the aftermath of the single market contributed to a significant increase in the numbers of reported cases of the disease. A national randomised survey, utilising blood samples taken as part of the brucellosis eradication campaign, is being analysed to establish the current incidence and distribution. Results from this survey should be available before the end of 2006.

Various techniques and gene-probes are and have been marketed over a number of years by commercial companies following the successful genome sequencing of the organism causing Johne's disease. Some of these tests show promise, particularly in speeding up the availability of test results. Staff in the laboratory are familiar with the techniques involved in such tests, can perform them and keep in touch with the technological advances. However, there is a need for further assurances as to accuracy of the various techniques. There is also a danger of an over-emphasis being given to tests which are costly and which are unlikely to improve the situation in regard to the incidence of Johne's disease in the absence of on-farm management controls to prevent infection of the next generation of breeding animals.

In an effort to raise consciousness of the disease and to promote higher standards of purchasing policy, hygiene management practices and calf rearing, my Department published and distributed booklets on Johne's disease. One of these is aimed at the farmer and the other at the private veterinary practitioner. Articles have also been published in the veterinary and farming press. Advice on Johne's disease is available at all district veterinary offices and on the Department's website.

My Department is currently engaged in an exercise to marshal the resources of all the key interested parties so as to give a new direction and momentum to efforts to tackle diseases such as Johne's in the national herd and to enhance the prospects of making real progress in this area in the future.