Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he has not considered depopulation in view of the health circumstances of a herd (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7182/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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There have been a number of TB breakdowns in the herd in question since December 2010, the most recent in January 2012 when 3 reactors were disclosed. With regard to depopulation, the policy of my Department in relation to TB is to depopulate herds only as a last resort. Experience has shown that depopulation, which is extremely costly, is rarely necessary and that, in most cases, the herd can be cleared of the disease through a combination of tuberculin testing and blood testing (Gamma Interferon). I accept that it is obviously worrying and frustrating for the herdowner in question to have his herd restricted. However, since more than 10% of his herd has been removed in the most recent breakdown, he is in principle eligible for payments under the Income Supplement scheme which is designed to alleviate income difficulties due to restrictions placed on herds arising from an outbreak of TB. The situation is being monitored and full depopulation will be reviewed following receipt of the Gamma Interferon Blood test result and the report on the forthcoming tuberculin reactor retest.