The Eradication of Bovine Brucellosis in the European Union with an Emphasis on Ireland

Abstract

I have chosen to write my thesis on Bovine brucellosis Eradication. I chose this topic as I have a personal interest in the eradication schemes in place in Ireland. Ireland is currently officially brucellosis free, a status reached in 2009. Currently testing for brucellosis is a daily requirement for veterinary surgeons in Ireland. Although the country has reached brucellosis free status we still need to remain vigilant to the prospect of reoccurrence. Brucellosis infection in a herd can cause major production and economic losses not to mention the emotional trauma experienced by herd owners as a result of a rapid depopulation programme. The brucellosis Eradication programme in Ireland commenced in 1965 and is governed by European legislation. The main legislation with regard to eradication is council directive 64/432/EEC, council directive 78/52/EEC and Irish legislation S.I no.114 of 1991 all of which will be discussed in greater detail in the context of this thesis. Although at the beginning of the eradication programme several problems were encountered, namely and possibly the most important lesson learnt was the relaxation of the programme in the 1980’s which resulted in the resurgence of the disease. However from 1998 onwards progress was made, several changes were made to the eradication scheme which were instrumental in reaching officially brucellosis free status in 2009.