08/09/09

The Labour Party Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food Seán Sherlock TD said that he is reasonably satisfied with the initial steps taken in light of the breakout of equine Piroplasmosis in a horse facility in county Meath.

The Cork East TD said that while he is very disappointed to hear of the disease outbreak, he is content with the measures taken to tackle the issue thus far.

 

 

Deputy Sherlock warned, however, that the Department of Agriculture cannot be complacent in ensuring the disease has not spread further.

 

 

"At the moment it appears that the Department Of Agriculture is taking all necessary steps to prevent a further spread of this disease. The question now arises as to whether any of the horses quarantined from this stable have been racing or have been outside their premises while carrying the disease,

 

 

"If this is the case there will have to be a trace of where these horses have been, and subsequently whatever measures are necessary must be taken.

 

 

"Horse racing is a multi-million euro industry. The State must not take any chances in containing this disease, even if this means a lockdown of all stables for a defined period. While initial reports are encouraging, we have to be prepared for every scenario in the best interests of the industry," concluded Deputy Sherlock.

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