March 10, 2010

EU to declare Irish pig herds Aujeszky-free soon

The Irish pig industry will soon commence final testing for Aujeszky's disease in its herds, which is expected to lead to the European Commission (EC) declaring Ireland officially free from Aujeszky's disease.

The Irish minister for agriculture, fisheries and food Brendan Smith, said that two previous test rounds have shown that Aujeszky's disease has practically been eliminated – and now announced phase 3 of the National Aujeszky's Disease Control and Eradication programme.

The objective of this programme is to officially eliminate Aujeszky's disease from the national pig herd. This will be of significant benefit to the whole Irish pig sector by recognising the health standard of the national herd and protecting our access to export markets.

Detailed testing arrangements for phase 3 of the programme are now being finalised.