383 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 33 cases of blue ear, a respiratory disease in sows, have been reported in Northern Ireland; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the abattoir (details supplied) in County Leitrim is the only one in the State still slaughtering pigs from Northern Ireland; the number of cases of positive blue ear disease which have been reported at this abattoir; the steps, if any, he intends to take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8099/97]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), more commonly known as "blue ear", is a condition which affects pigs and has no known implications for human health. It is highly contagious within the pig population and can in fact be wind-borne.