Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

276. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 27 March 2019, if there are circumstances by which the commence after date can be deferred for a short period (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15941/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The herd owner in question has a high risk herd and is due to complete a post-derestriction check test scheduled on 7th April 2019. They are free to trade until that date but, on that date, they are trade restricted until they complete a clear TB test. This is consistent with existing TB Eradication policy.

High Risk herds have to undergo 3 herd tests post-derestriction.  The first test may take place at a time of the farmer’s choosing between 3 - 8 months after derestriction.  Herds are trade restricted when the scheduled date of the post-de-restriction test is reached (3 months), i.e. they may acquire cattle but may not dispatch cattle (other than calves under 6 weeks of age) except directly to slaughter from that date. After the post-derestriction test is completed, if clear, the herd must complete 2 more tests at 6 monthly intervals.

The scientific justification for selecting these herds for enhanced treatment resides in the fact that the herd incidence, on the post-derestriction test is approx. four times greater for these herds than that for the Round test.  In addition, the number of reactors per thousand animals tested (the APT) for these herds is almost 3 times greater than that for the Round test.

Department officials have met with the herd owner regarding the current situation with the herd.