asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the disease called "Louping III,""Trembles" or "Shivers" is very prevalent in many districts in County Mayo and that there are grave dangers of its development into a serious epidemic at any time; and whether, in order to ensure the safety of the valuable flocks in those areas, he will take immediate steps to have "Louping III" vaccine produced in the laboratory at Thorndale; and whether, in view also of the enormous losses arising annually from that disease, he will state why that vaccine has not been produced here although it is understood that experiments for its production were carried out by the Veterinary Department a number of years ago.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vaccine Treatment of Live-stock Diseases.
I am aware that there has recently been an increase in the prevalence of "Louping III" amongst sheep flocks in County Mayo and certain other districts, but it has not so far been possible to have a satisfactory vaccine against the disease prepared at the Veterinary Research Laboratory at Thorndale. The importance of combating the disease is recognised and a Departmental Committee has been inquiring into the question of making provision for the production of this and other vaccines at the laboratory.
In view of that situation, would the Minister consider the granting of permits to get some of this vaccine in from the Moredun Institute to keep the disease in check, if not to wipe it out altogether?
Up to the present we have had no satisfactory evidence that the vaccine made by the Moredun Institute is really effective, and, as a matter of fact, they feel themselves that they may have to improve it; but, in any case, I do not think that the issue of permits would enable imports of the stuff to take place because it is issued only in very small quantities and practically in an experimental way. There is a possibility, however, that it will be manufactured on a bigger scale by some of the British manufacturers in the near future and we can then consider the issuing of permits.
The Moredun Institute have signified their intention to allow in small doses for veterinary surgeons.
It would only be for experimental purposes.
No, for actual treatment.
We will consider it.