Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 377: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the investigations which have taken place into the contamination of equine serum with equine infectious anemia virus; the manufacturer and importer of the product; if the product is licensed here; if the manufacturer of the product is licensed by the relevant authorities; the number of batches which were contaminated; the number of lots in each batch; the number of treatments in each lot; the number distributed here; the number recalled; the number of animals administered with the serum; the steps being taken to contain the virus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24539/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Following the confirmation of the presence of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) in horses from two separate establishments in Co Meath, my Department's immediate focus was on the containment and immediate eradication of the disease. It also took urgent steps to prevent the spread of the disease by tracing back those horses and their contacts, which, in the previous three months, had passed through the premises on which the infected animals were located.

My Department, as an additional precaution, also advised stud owners/managers, trainers and other horse owners to have their horses tested for any evidence of the presence of the disease as this is in the best interests of all the bloodstock industry.

With regard to the detailed questions raised by the Deputy, my Department is now focusing on the origin of the disease and investigations are ongoing in this regard.

Until such time as this investigation is completed, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on the issue.