The Deputy Leader of the Green Party Councillor Mary White is bringing a case to the European Petitions Committee to try and solve an extraordinary case of ill thrift and weight loss syndrome in cattle in Co. Kilkenny. The syndrome has resulted in calf losses and low milk yields over a long period of 16 years.

Cllr. White said, “Anyone who has visited the farm will be shocked at the state of the cattle. They are small in size and obviously suffering from an as yet unidentified form of ill thrift and stunted growth. It is also apparent that there is an environmental problem which not only effects stock but trees which are dying on part of this farm.

“Over the last five months I have worked with Dan Brennan, who owns the farm, to bring this case to Europe. I have been amazed at the resilience of his family and the dedication of Mr.Brennnan’s vets, Tom Slevin who has a practice in Castlecomer and Michael Lamb of Kilkenny, have done all in their power to try and resolve this extraordinary case in Castlecomer.

“I understand from working with Mr. Brennan that Teagasc have been diligent and done all in their power to help this beleaguered farmer. From working on the Petition however, I feel it is staggering that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Agriculture have been unable to source the cause of the problems on this farm - despite cooperating with the Department and undertaking two feeding trials which have thrown up very dramatic results. In particular the EPA which has a mandate to protect the environment has still not been able to establish the cause of the problems on this Kilkenny farm.

“I am looking forward to lodging this Petition next week and I will call on all Irish Members of the European Parliament to push forward this Petition in order that it is admitted, heard and a resolution found for this truly extraordinary case which has inflicted such hardship on this young Kilkenny farmer and his family,” concluded Cllr. White.

ENDS

FURTHER INFORMATION

CLLR. MARY WHITE

DEPUTY LEADER GREEN PARTY

087 270 71 89

Filed under: Mary White TD