asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that, in districts subject to blackleg in cattle, Blacklegoids cannot now be procured; and if he will say whether any alternative vaccine is available; and, if not, whether, in view of the importance of having preventive treatment available to stock producers, he will have shipping space allocated for the importation from America of this essential commodity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Cattle Vaccine.
I am aware that there is a shortage of Blacklegoids.
I understand that a suitable alternative vaccine is available but that it can only be used with a special type of syringe which it is now very difficult to obtain.
I have already arranged for an allocation of shipping space for the importation of a quantity of Blacklegoids direct from the U.S.A.
In making his allocation, has the Minister considered the perishable nature of these Blacklegoids, and will he ensure that the shipment will not be in excess of, say, 12 months' supply, lest, in the case of a large stock being built up here, the vaccine would become useless after the lapse of 12 months?
I think the Deputy may be assured that that consideration will be kept in mind by the shippers. The responsibility of my Department is to provide the shipping space. The actual arrangements for the shipment of the commodity are in the hands of the commercial firms dealing with it.
Will the Minister advert to the fact, when allocating space, that Blacklegoids are a perishable commodity, and that the consumer is unable to detect that they have perished? They are sold in dated packets and, if the date be not put on, the consumer is quite unable to ascertain whether the Blacklegoids have lost their effect. If used after they have lost their effect a very serious outbreak of blackleg might be precipitated where they are employed.