Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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129. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reports his Department has received regarding elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus among elephants in Dublin Zoo in 2024; the steps his Department has taken to care for the animals and deter spread; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13737/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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In 2024, my Department provided advice to Dublin Zoo in relation to import requirements that may have been applicable to hyperimmune serum that was being imported from Chester Zoo. The Zoo was advised by my Department that this product was exempt from import controls as it was classed as a veterinary medicinal product.

My Department has no role in the operational management of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Dublin Zoo. The National Parks and Wildlife Service, on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is responsible for the inspection and licensing of Irish zoos.