Ireland records the lowest level of salmonella in poultry flocks across the EU, according to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon.

Targets for the reduction of salmonella detection are set for poultry across the EU, the minister explained.

He said that Ireland has "consistently met these targets".

He was responding to a recent parliamentary question from independent TD Carol Nolan, asking what steps are being taken to address salmonella outbreaks in pigs and poultry, including support for affected farmers.

Salmonella prevention

Minister Heydon said he is "aware of the significant contribution that poultry and pig producers make to the agri-food sector".

"My department provides targeted supports to both of these sectors to assist in the prevention of disease outbreaks attributable to salmonella which have been successful in reducing both the frequency and impacts of same," he said.

"These include the National Salmonella Control Programme for Poultry, a funded programme based on official sampling of flocks for salmonella in addition to sampling performed by the flock owner."

The National Poultry Health Programme also contributes to the testing and surveillance for specific diseases of poultry, including salmonella species of poultry intended for export.

For pigs, the National Pig Salmonella Control Programme also operates with the goal of lowering the detection of Salmonella in pigs sent for slaughter.

"In both poultry and pig production, biosecurity is an important factor in disease outbreak prevention and control," the minister said.

Compensation for affected poultry farmers following salmonella outbreaks is not legislatively mandated, the minister said.

"However, ex-gratia financial assistance has been provided for suspected, or confirmed, outbreaks of zoonotic salmonella enteritidis and salmonella typhimurium in specific production types and for specific costs associated with disease controls."