Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 66: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all the pigs and cattle have been removed from those farms that received potentially contaminated feed from the County Carlow recycling plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11883/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Movement restrictions were placed on 22 cattle farms to which contaminated feed was supplied. In addition, restrictions were placed on a further 14 farms for further testing. Positive results were found for 4 of these farms. Arising from this, all cattle who had, or were suspected of having, come into contact with the contaminated feed have been slaughtered.

In the case of pigs, movement restrictions were placed on 17 farms. All the pigs on these farms have been slaughtered, with the exception of the pigs remaining on 1 holding. This is due to the fact that under EU transport regulations sows within 2 weeks of farrowing and young piglets cannot be transported for slaughter. It is expected that these remaining animals will be slaughtered over the coming days.

I wish to place on the record my appreciation to the farmers involved for the co-operation afforded to my officials in this regard.