The Irish Veterinary Union has expressed "extreme disappointment" at an interim package of measures announced yesterday by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, to deal with the spread of brucellosis in cattle.
The IVU, representing the country's private vets, said the package failed to insist on a compulsory pre-movement test of cattle for the disease which has been spreading rapidly through north Munster herds.
It said the Minister's failure to "fully grasp the nettle in relation to the crisis" may cost the State its brucellosis-free status, which allows it to export to all foreign markets.
The Department confirmed yesterday that there are now 234 herds infected by the disease and that if the number exceeds 300 then the Republic's disease-free status will be endangered.
The Minister's package included the reintroduction of monthly testing of milk being supplied to creameries, intensive blood testing of animals in farms adjacent to infected farms and the slaughter of animals reacting to the test.
It also specified that, as a minimum, all eligible animals being sold through marts and from farm to farm must have been blood tested within the preceding 12 months. The measures also include an education programme, directed specifically at farmers, promoting the effective herd management and health protection service.
The Minister has also promised a detailed epidemiological investigation by Departmental veterinary inspectors into brucellosis breakdowns and a major revamping of the compensation regime.
Mr Pat Brady, general secretary of the IVU, said it was hard to understand why the Minister refused to accept the overwhelming body of veterinary evidence in favour of a compulsory pre-movement testing of animals.
The Irish Cattle and Stock owners Association called for the introduction of compulsory testing of all female animals for brucellosis within 60 days of movement as the voluntary testing regime, however well intentioned, has not worked in practice.
The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association welcomed the statement.