Rising brucellosis worry

10 October 1997

Rising brucellosis worry

INCREASING numbers of brucellosis outbreaks in south-west Ireland threaten the countrys brucellosis free status.

So warned Athlone regional lab vet Jim Quinlan. "Ireland has been officially brucellosis free since 1985, but there has been a steadily increasing number of cases over the last two years."

So far this year, new restrictions have been applied to 318 herds, and 3096 reacting cattle have been identified. These are concentrated in Limerick, Tipperary, Cork and Kerry, the intensive dairying areas.

"We have a susceptible cattle population which has had no exposure to the disease, and the effects of the vaccine wore off years ago. Brucellosis is running rampant," warned Mr Quinlan. "Producers have become complacent about brucellosis since compulsory annual and pre-movement tests were discontinued, but the increase in disease has serious trade implications. It also has public – and producer – health implications."

The Irish Veterinary Association is calling for the reintroduction of compulsory pre-movement testing to stem its spread. "We are pressing the Department of Agriculture for this to replace the current voluntary test."

He advised buying cattle from a known, disease-free source. "Isolate all calvings, disinfect between them, and isolate all purchased animals until their post-calving test is clear. Get the vet to investigate all abortions, carry out monitoring tests, and maintain effective fencing. Also, know your neighbours." &#42