Deaths check

AGRICULTURE Minister Joe Walsh has asked the Central Veterinary Laboratory to investigate the mortality of about 3% in the cattle herd, which he described as “disappointingly high, given that welfare and husbandry standards in Ireland are high”.

Central Movement Monitoring System (CMMS) computer system figures indicated 192,437 cattle deaths on farms last year, of which 102,000 were calves under 12 months.

“There will always be casualties on farms, and animals will die on the best-run farms, but this requires investigation,” said Minister Walsh. The Compassion in World Farming animal welfare organisation demanded an explanation for the level of cattle deaths on Irish farms.

IFA President John Dillon said death rates in bovine populations are generally 5 to 10%, and the Minister’s presentation of the figures left them open to misinterpretation which could damage Irish agriculture. He warned that current moves by the Department to restrict supply routes and availability of animal vaccines will increase the mortality rate.

Pat O’Rourke, ICMSA said the Minister had done a major disservice to farmers and the food industry.