Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 392: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason vaccination of bovines for tuberculosis is not allowed in EU Member States; if she or Member States have sought a review of this policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16378/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Vaccination of bovines for tuberculosis is not allowed in EU member states because any field trials carried out to date have demonstrated that such vaccines are not very effective in protecting cattle against infection. In addition, vaccination would have the considerable disadvantage in that there is no method of distinguishing between real infection and vaccine immunity. Certification of disease freedom in live animals and/or herds would thus be impossible. In view of these factors, the consensus is that the existing test and slaughter policy is a more effective mechanism for dealing with the disease. For these reasons I have not sought a review of the non-vaccination policy.