Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures she is taking to prevent the spread of equine infectious anaemia swamp fever amongst horses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24208/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has identified the presence of Equine Infectious Anaemia in two horses on two separate establishments in County Meath. My Department's immediate priority has been to identify the source and extent of the disease and to trace the direct and indirect contacts from the infected premises. The two premises in question are now both under restriction for trade purposes. Our initial investigations suggest that the source of the disease may have been from imported equine serum that was inadvertently or accidentally contaminated with the EIA virus prior to importation. Enquiries are continuing to confirm this initial view.

Based on our enquiries and the knowledge acquired to date, we have no reason to believe that the disease is any more widespread than those cases of which we are currently aware. Results of blood tests from other horses on the two infected premises have, to date, been negative for EIA and tracing of animals that passed through those premises is continuing. As a precaution, and in the interests of horse owners, trainers, stud managers and the bloodstock industry, my Department has advised that all horses that may have moved during the breeding season be tested for any evidence of the disease. Approximately 1,000 tests taken by owners/trainers/stud managers throughout the bloodstock industry have all been negative for EIA.

The Department had advised any other Member States to which horses were exported from either of the infected premises since the suspected date of infection and the date of confirmation and all blood test results from any such horses have, to date, been negative, though they are not yet complete. I expect that within a week, by which time we will have more test results available, we will be in a position to clarify the position further.