Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
801. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to test all animal products entering Ireland for pathogens, in light of the recent rise in bluetongue disease cases in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72327/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe movement of live animals and animal products into Ireland is subject to a robust system of official veterinary animal health certification, in line with EU legislation. This system is designed to mitigate the the risk of animal diseases and is based on scientifically informed, risk-based controls rather than blanket testing.
In the context of bluetongue disease (BTV), it should be noted that the virus is a vector-borne disease transmitted by midges (Culicoides) and is associated with the movement of live susceptible animals. Animal products such as meat, dairy or products of such, do not pose a risk to the spread of BTV.
Accordingly, there are no plans to introduce the BTV testing for all animal products entering the state. My Department continues to monitor the evolving BTV situation in Northern Ireland and elsewhere, and appropriate controls on live animal products are kept under continuous review in consultation with veterinary and scientific experts.
