asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the mortality rate in (a) cattle and (b) sheep during the past six months in (1) County Galway and (2) Connacht.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle and Sheep Mortality.
40.
Mortality amongst cattle and sheep this year over the country as a whole, including County Galway, has been higher than usual but statistical information as to the position in particular areas is not available.
Can the Minister indicate if there has been an increase in the mortality rate in comparison with last year and the past few years?
As I have indicated, the mortality rate was definitely higher this winter and spring in both cattle and sheep.
Have the CAO not kept the Minister informed of the situation that exists—that is, the chief agricultural officers? Have they kept the Minister informed?
Yes.
Will the Minister now say that it was due to starvation that a lot of the cattle died?
A variety of factors was involved. Probably the worst thing of all was the incidence of fluke because of the very wet season.