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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 16

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Eradication of Rats.

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that there has been an abnormal increase in the number of rats in the country, principally due to the attraction of beet, and that these rats are the source of a serious malady called Wiel's disease, which has had increasingly fatal consequences in many places; and if he will, through the agency of the county medical officers of health, spread a knowledge of the danger of this disease and the means of combating it, and, at the same time, cause effective steps to be taken for the eradication of the rats themselves.

I have no information which would indicate that the rat population has increased. County medical officers of health are aware of the danger of the disease referred to and the means of combating it. A circular letter was issued in 1941 to county and county borough councils regarding destruction of rats and mice, and recommending the adoption of certain appropriate measures, including the use of poisons. A good deal of publicity was given to the measures recommended at the time.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the ravages of this peculiar disease I referred to—Wiel's disease—and of its fatal results?

I am aware of that, but the number of cases brought to the notice of my Department has been very few.

Is he aware that they are on the increase?

According to the information at my disposal, there have been only two cases in 1942 and one case in 1943. Of course, there may have been more cases that were not notified to my Department.

Has the Department taken the precaution to spread information regarding the origin of this disease?

Yes. Our county medical officers of health are fully informed.

That is all right.

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