Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1557. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding farmers who are requested to BVD all new born calves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25512/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The BVD Eradication programme is an industry led programme which is facilitated and overseen by the BVD Implementation Group (BVDIG), not my Department. My Department is however represented on this Group along with farmers, veterinary and other stakeholders and experts. Recent data shows that very significant progress has been made in reducing the prevalence of the disease – with the Persistently Infected (PI) birth rate falling to 0.15% in 2016 from 0.7% in 2013 (the first year of the Compulsory Programme). I understand that a presentation on the most efficacious way forward in terms of achieving BVD eradication was made at the most recent meeting of the Group. The details of the programme for 2017 and beyond remain to be decided by the Group.

From the middle of June 2015, following on from agreement at the BVDIG, my Department put in place a system of herd restrictions, where farmers continued to retain Persistently Infected animals beyond agreed timelines. A total of 900 restriction notices have issued to date. Additionally my Department provides some financial assistance by way of financial support to assist in the early removal of PI animals.

Unfortunately, a small number of farmers continue to retain PI animals. On 1 September some 248 herds were retaining 363 PIs – the majority of these are 2016 born animals.