asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he is aware that leptospirosis has been found in Charollais cattle in quarantine in England after import from France; whether any incidence of this infection in Charollais cattle has occurred in quarantine in Ireland; and what precautions are being taken to prevent this infection entering this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Infection in Charollais Cattle.
112.
I have seen Press reports of the alleged outbreak of leptospirosis among Charollais cattle recently imported from France to Britain. There is no evidence of this condition among the Charollais cattle at present in quarantine on Spike Island. These cattle were taken from herds in France free from the disease; they passed the necessary serological tests for leptospirosis before entry to the quarantine station at Rotterdam where they were detained for 28 days prior to import to this country and where they passed further tests. Further tests for leptospirosis have been carried out at Spike Island and all the animals concerned have given negative reactions.
Similar precautions were taken in connection with the importation of livestock from Continental Europe in 1964.