asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can state whether persons living in the foot and mouth affected areas in England, and attending British and Scotch markets, are disinfected on arrival in these markets; and also, whether dealers coming from such districts are disinfected before or on arrival at our Irish ports.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Precautions Against Foot and Mouth Disease.
I am not in a position to state the precise procedure adopted by the British Authorities in the matter referred to in the opening portion of the question.
In regard to the concluding part of the question, the requirement as to the disinfection of dealers and other persons landing at Free State ports, who might have been in contact with animals in Great Britain, is strictly enforced at our ports. Arrangements are also in force for securing that the clothes, boots, etc., of such persons are disinfected at the ports of landing, Departmental Inspectors being specially detailed for this work. It is obligatory on such persons, under the Department's regulations, to submit themselves for disinfection whether they are requested to do so by the inspectors or not.