A STRATEGY to protect Ireland's multi-billion-pound dairy sector is to be put in place next week as concerns grow about the increased incident of brucellosis in Munster.
The Southern Health Board has already issued a public health warning about the dangers from the bacterial infection, which occurs in cattle, pigs, sheep and goats and can be passed on to humans.
While there is no evidence of any increase in the disease in humans, 605 herds have been restricted under national controls in Co Limerick, south Tipperary, north Co Cork, Kerry and parts of Clare.
A spokesman for the Irish Veterinary Association, Mr Bill Cashman, said that in parts of the counties involved the disease has reached "critical mass", as the disease, which causes female animals to abort, is spreading from farm to farm.
He warned that unless urgent action is taken, Ireland will lose its brucellosis-free status, which allows it to export produce without restriction.
"We are looking at a very serious situation because if the number of herds found to have the disease increases to over 0.2 per cent, then we lose that status and we place overseas markets in danger," he said.
He blamed the spread of the disease on the ending of the mandatory pre- movement test in 1989 and the large movement of cows in the early 1990s as farmers sought to build up suckler herds.
The Department of Agriculture said yesterday that 211 herds are restricted under EU regulations, which are less strict than Irish controls, but confirmed that if it crosses the 300-herd mark Ireland will lose its disease-free status.
Mr Liam Egan, chairman of the Irish Farmers' Association's animal health committee, said farm organisations agreed that a mandatory pre-movement national test would not be the best method of coping with the problem.
In its warning, the Southern Health Board said that apart from those in direct contact with infected animals - vets, farmers and abattoir workers - there is also a risk to the consumer through unpasteurised milk and milk products, especially soft cheeses from cows, sheep and goats.
It said the symptoms of the disease in humans often mimic a severe bout of flu and sometimes take several months to appear.
"They are characterised by continued or intermittent fever, headaches, weakness, profuse sweating, joint pain, depression and weight loss. Symptoms may last for many months if not adequately treated," it said.