Brown rot disease found in water samples at potato merchant sites

BROWN rot disease has been found in water samples taken at two potato merchants' premises.

Brown rot results in yield losses in host plants and rotting of tubers, but it poses no risk to human or animal health.

The brown rot annual water survey involves the taking of samples of wastewater at merchants' premises.

All samples taken from potato stocks on the premises where two positive findings were recently reported have been tested and proved negative.

The department said this would indicate that infected material had passed through the premises in the recent past.

It said the premises themselves have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected as required by the department and upgrading of their water treatment systems is being put in place.

Management of the disease is governed by EU legislation, which is being strictly followed by the department in this case.

The department said it is working closely with the potato industry to ensure that all appropriate action is being taken to control the situation.

It said investigations are still ongoing but to date there is nothing to indicate any connection between these findings and last years’ brown rot outbreak or other previous findings.

The department has also issued advice to farmers in relation to liver fluke in livestock, based on advice it has received from the Liver Fluke Advisory Group.

It said a liver fluke forecasting model based on rainfall during summer and early autumn predicts that the risk of the disease is high in all areas of the country.