asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a remarkable remedy for abortion in cattle has recently been perfected in U.S.A., and was considered of such importance that a specialist in the use of the remedy was ferried by air to England; if the Minister has had any communication with the British Department of Agriculture on this matter; and, if so, if he will state the result of such communication.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Abortion in Cattle.
I am not aware that a remedy for contagious abortion in cattle has been perfected in any country. A vaccine prepared in the Veterinary Research Laboratory of my Department has been used in this country for some years past with a considerable measure of success. A similar vaccine has also been used in the United States of America. Cultures of the particular strain from which this vaccine is prepared have been brought to Great Britain, where the vaccine is being tried out. A trial sample has also been received at the Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dublin, and experiments therewith are being carried out at present. There are at present no ground for the assumption that such vaccine will be more effective than that already in use here but it will be subjected to an exhaustive test. Other lines of investigation into the prevention of abortion, which may prove fruitful, are also being pursued at the Veterinary Research Laboratory.