To demonstrate freedom from brucellosis in cattle, Ireland tests cull cows as they pass through slaughter plants. In 2019 all samples tested negative for Brucella abortus and Ireland was able to demonstrate freedom.

Bluetongue is a disease of ruminants (including cattle, sheep and goats). Ireland tests cull cows which are sampled as they pass through slaughter plants in order to demonstrate freedom from bluetongue.

DAFM has taken lamb blood samples in factories from a proportion of flocks at the time of slaughter. These have been tested for liver fluke antibodies to determine the timing and geographical spread of liver fluke

Update on African Swine Fever 29th July 2019

Since 2015, from June to December, DAFM has taken lamb blood samples in factories from a proportion of flocks at the time of slaughter.

Haemonchus contortus or “barber’s pole worm” has been diagnosed as the cause of death of a four year old ewe in Kilkenny Regional Veterinary Laboratory.