Local fears remain as experts fail to determine cause of animal deaths

SCIENTIFIC investigation into problems of the past are notoriously difficult since monitoring then was less exhaustive than now. The deaths and ill health among farm animals in Askeaton, Co Limerick, is such an investigation.

The EPA study, due to continue until next year, started in 1995 when the situation had eased. But local fears were exacerbated by lack of information and failure to find a definitive cause.

Problems surfaced in 1988 when animals on the dairy farm of Liam Somers were clearly not thriving. They worsened, with a high number of fatalities reported in 1992-93. Similar problems occurred for Justin Ryan, with fatalities peaking during 1994-95.

The EPA study concentrates on both farms. The former is leased by the Department of Agriculture while the State bought the latter. A further 25 farmers indicated they were experiencing a similar abnormal incidence of animal health problems. A retrospective study of these began but was hampered by "a lack of adequate corroborative information and comparative data".

Concerns were also expressed about human health implications with reports of respiratory problems, skin rashes and miscarriages among local people. The Mid Western Health Board has examined possible links to the cattle ill health, but the latest report relates only to birth effects. Its studies will be completed later this year.

After reports of respiratory illness, the EPA began to monitor sulphur dioxide levels as short term peaks were considered a possible factor. The gas is also an important indicator of other contaminants in the air. But the levels found and indicated from previous limited monitoring suggest an unpolluted area.

What could be causing such ill health and fatalities? A general view is that pollutant emission from local industries may be involved but studies so far have found no connection.

Other factors cited are natural mineral deficiencies in the soil and herbage and farm managementproblems. The latter suggestion is bitterly contested by local farmers.

A study to be published by UCG scientists suggests that enzyme deficiencies in rodents in the area may help pinpoint the cause. It is understood, however, that based on initial indications the EPA may not agree.

The EPA says: "Whatever adverse circumstances led to the cattle deaths and ill health on Ryan and Somers farms in the late 1980s and early 1990s are now absent". But without a definitive explanation, local concerns remain.