With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
I have received no further information as to the nature of the fish disease since I replied to the Deputy's question in the matter on 28th April. Fish from all the areas where the disease has occurred have been examined bacteriologically in the Veterinary College, Dublin and samples of fish and cultures from fish have been sent to Sweden and Denmark for examination. The results of the tests carried out so far have not revealed any organism which could be the cause of the disease.
Certain species of fungi do cause mortality among wild fish in some countries outside Europe and the possibility that the present outbreak is attributable to fungus infection is under investigation by the Botany Department, University College, Dublin and the Freshwater Biological Association, Windermere, England.
So far, none of the investigations being carried out to determine the causative organism for this disease indicate any direct connection between fish farms and the outbreak.
Where wild stocks of fish, salmon and trout, are concerned, as in the case of the River Suir, there are no known means by which it would be practicable to eradicate any fish disease; but the spread of disease can be prevented by prompt removal and burial well away from the rivers of any fish showing symptoms of disease —a practice which has been followed by conservancy authorities in all affected areas.
I can find no justification for the views of the local anglers who have represented to the Deputy that the entire fish stocks of the River Suir and its tributaries are in danger as reports indicate that the number of fish affected in those waters is relatively small.