Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the 60-day brucellosis testing for cattle entering county agricultural shows may be amended to 120 days in view of the fact that there has not been a reactor here for more than three years and that the measure would significantly raise the number of applicants to the shows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9623/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Since Ireland attained Official Brucellosis Free status in 2009, my Department has introduced a number of changes to the brucellosis testing programme which have significantly reduced the testing obligations for farmers. The changes to date include increasing the age threshold for the annual round test from 12 to 24 months and amending the round test requirement such that herds are now required to be tested only once every two years. In addition, changes made to the pre-movement test rules include increasing the testing period from 30 to 60 days, raising the age threshold for female animals from 12 to 18 months and, in view of the lower risk attached to their movement, to 24 months for bulls.

My objective is that Ireland maintains its OBF status and it is important therefore to adopt a cautious approach to any further reduction in controls. in this context, any reduction in the Brucellosis testing regime is given careful consideration by my Department using risk based criteria and takes account of, on the one hand, the fact that the disease continues to be present on this island, and on the other, the desirability of removing costs both for farmers and the Department.

With regard to the request to extend the pre-movement test period to 120 days for cattle entering county agricultural shows, my Department believes that the changes already made to the pre-movement test should provide the necessary flexibility but it will continue to monitor the situation over the coming months with a view to taking a decision on any further changes to the brucellosis control regime in Autumn of this year. The farming representative bodies will be consulted on any policy changes at that stage.