Programme to eradicate pig disease

Ireland: Significant progress has been reported by the Department of Agriculture and Food on a national programme to eliminate Aujeszky’s disease from the national pig herd.

The disease does not affect consumers. However, it can cause serious production and welfare problems in herds and it can also have trade implications.

Minister of State Liam Aylward said testing for the disease was initiated in six phases, commencing in the north and moving southwards. To date, more than 44,000 blood samples have been analysed from over 760 herds, drawn from 26 counties.

When the programme is completed, it will have encompassed more than 1,200 pig herds. The bulk of testing in the earlier phases has now been completed. Testing has commenced in the final phase in Co Cork.

To date, a total of 21 herds have been found positive for the disease and full control plans, involving vaccination and comprehensive biosecurity measures, are being implemented for those herds.

“This programme is important, both in terms of tackling a disease within the national pig herd and of protecting our access to certain export markets.”

Mr Alyward said Ireland had an exportable surplus of pigmeat in the region of 60% of production.

It is of major importance to the economy that Ireland has continued access to the most demanding international markets.