Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to eradicate tuberculosis from the dairy herds here; the timeline for this action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26988/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The overall national strategy for dealing with TB comprises a comprehensive range of measures which include the mandatory annual testing of all cattle in the national herd, the early removal of reactors, payment of compensation for animals removed as reactors, implementation of a range of supplementary tests such as post de-restriction and contiguous tests, a wildlife programme, the use of the gamma interferon test as an adjunct to the tuberculin test in problem herds and the depopulation of infected herds in some cases. These measures apply to all herds in the country and there are no separate arrangements for dairy herds.

My Department is satisfied that these measures constitute an effective eradication programme, as evidenced by the significant reduction in disease levels over the past decade. For example, herd incidence has fallen from 7.53% in 2000 to 4.65% last year and reactor numbers in 2010 were, at 20,211, the lowest recorded since the commencement of the programme in the 1950's. Reactor numbers and herd incidence have continued to fall in 2011.

However, my Department monitors and reviews the effectiveness and efficiency of the programme on an on-going basis with a view to the eventual eradication of the disease from all herds in the country, including the dairy herd. Ensuring that there is a robust testing regime in place and that disease is not spread from infected herds to clean herds are key factors in achieving the goal of eradication and my Department will continue to review and make changes to these elements of the programme as deemed necessary. Any changes will be made following consultation with the farming organisations.

I am very pleased with the reduction in the incidence of TB in recent years. It is essential that this improvement continues.