asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the serious incidence of rabies on the mainland of Europe; and the contingency plans he has for dealing with the problem in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Rabies Incidence.
69.
I am aware that figures for the incidence of rabies in animals in some parts of the mainland of Europe have shown an increase. However, so far as I can ascertain no case of rabies in animals or humans has been reported in Ireland for over 60 years. Arrangements are available for treating cases, should they arise, in a national centre in Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin, and chief medical officers are aware of this facility. Dogs and cats coming into this country from places other than Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man must undergo quarentine in an approved centre for six months.
With a view to making chief medical officers and public health veterinary officers more aware of current knowledge of this disease the Joint Services Committee on Zoonoses which is sponsored jointly by my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries held a seminar on 9th April, 1974, and one of the subjects discussed was the diagnosis and control of rabies in an island free of the disease.