Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 368: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that hay is being imported from continental Europe as fodder, mainly for horses, and this could possibly transfer the Bluetongue disease to Ireland; if her Department has monitored the origin of this importation; her views on whether this could be a danger to animal health here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25946/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As part of my Department's contingency arrangements, several potential risks for the introduction of bluetongue to Ireland have been considered and these include the possibility that it might be introduced in hay or straw. The two principal potential routes for the introduction of the disease are through infected live animals or through infected wind-blown midges. The importation of live susceptible animals from bluetongue-affected areas is currently not permitted. However, EU rules dealing with the movement of animals and animal products from such areas under defined conditions come into effect 1 November. My Department is continuing to assess the risk of the introduction of the disease and should such an assessment conclude that further control measures are appropriate, I will have no hesitation in introducing them.