asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that there appears to be a great number of complaints that the warble fly dressing used for the treatment of cattle is responsible for brucellosis; and, if this is so, what steps he proposes to take to remedy the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Warble Fly Dressing.
48.
Investigations carried out by my Department's Veterinary Research Laboratory over a number of years show that the organe-phosphorus compounds used for the treatment of cattle for warble fly do not cause abortion and do not, in fact, have any effect whatsoever on the course of pregnancy. This is confirmed by the findings of experts in other countries. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by a specific germ and has no connection with warble fly dressing.
Would the Minister not agree it is time he advised the people that such is the case?
There is no argument about this. Our veterinary tests have proved conclusively that there is no connection between warble fly treatment and contagious abortion. We have also quite clearly established that there was no change in the pattern of abortion last year when the campaign was in full swing. Thirdly we have established from samples sent on to us that there was no difference between abortions alleged to be related to warble fly dressing and those where dressing was not involved. Finally, we have had the opinions of experts in other countries who have come to the same conclusion as our own, that there is no connection between warble fly treatment and contagious abortion.
If what the Minister has said is true, it is time it was said and this information given to the people concerned.
I fully agree with the Deputy and I am glad he put down this question because it is important that we should reassure all our farmers that there is no connection between these two things.
I accept that.