Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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141. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for scaling down and ending of the BVD testing programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7027/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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It my clear ambition to eradicate BVD from the herd as soon as possible and I believe the finishing line is in sight.

The Deputy may be aware that the BVD eradication programme is coordinated and managed by Animal Health Ireland under the direction of the BVD Implementation Group which consists of a range of industry stakeholders, including my Department. The BVD Implementation Group is advised by the BVD Technical Working Group, and it determines operational matters such as the issue you raise.

Good progress has been made in the eradication of BVD with the incidence of BVD positive animals decreasing this year to just 0.03 % compared with 0.66 % in 2013 – the first year of the compulsory phase of the eradication programme. Ireland is now nearing a stage where we can apply to have an acknowledged status of BVD freedom

The new Animal Health Law (AHL) came into force in April 2021 sets out the requirements for recognition of BVD free status at EU level. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689 requires at least 99.8 % of the cattle herds representing at least 99.9% of the cattle population must be categorised as free from BVD, and that there has not been a confirmed BVD cases in the preceding 18 months. The Department is preparing to submit an application to the European Commission for EU approval of the current BVD control programme. Provided that the 2022 programme achieves the necessary criteria to gain BVD Free recognition, the Department will make the follow up submission.

Any decision to modify/scale back testing, as well as consideration of post eradication surveillance is currently under consideration by the BVD Technical Working Group and the BVD Implementation Group. My Department will continue to liaise closely with Animal Health Ireland to determine the best course of action for Ireland.