asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the present position in regard to the eradication of brucellosis in the country and and the progress made to date.
41.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Brucellosis Eradication.
40.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the present position in regard to the eradication of brucellosis in County Offaly and the progress made to date.
42.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the present position in regard to the eradication of brucellosis in County Laois and the progress made to date.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 41 and 42 together.
County Donegal was declared brucellosis free in June, 1968, and Counties Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan were declared brucellosis free in March, 1970. Check testing continues in these counties to ensure that the position remains satisfactory.
Eradication measures were introduced in Counties Louth, Mayo, Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath and north-west Offaly during 1970-71. The first round of testing is nearing completion in County Meath and the second round will soon finish in County Mayo. In the other four counties and in north-west Offaly, the second round of testing has been in progress since January.
Brucellosis eradication has not yet been extended to the remainder of Offaly or to Laois.
A series of milk ring tests on individual deliveries to creameries and other collecting centres was initiated last year in the counties, including most of Offaly, or where the eradication scheme is not yet operating. Two rounds of tests were completed and approximately 70 per cent of the 61,000 herds concerned passed the two tests. It is intended to continue with this programme and each herd which passes two consecutive tests will be furnished with a certificate. Special sales confined to animals from these herds are being organised by the marts.
The heifer vaccination scheme is operated in 11 counties of the east and south where eradication measures mav not commence for some time. The scheme commenced in March, 1969, and by the end of 1971 more than 326,000 heifers had been vaccinated with the killed 45/20 vaccine, free of charge to the owners.
At the end of 1971, there were 99 applicants for the voluntary brucellosis scheme under which herd owners outside the eradication area are given headage grants for the removal of reactors from their herds. The Brucellosis (Certified) Herds Scheme has met with little response. So far only seven herds have qualified for registration.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state when he expects to introduce the long promised compensation for those producers in high intensive milk production in the clearance areas who, as a result of the brucellosis eradication scheme, have suffered exceptional loss; secondly, would he state whether he considers 99 applicants under the voluntary eradication scheme in the non-clearance areas to be a successful rate of application?
I have just stated that the rate of progress under the voluntary brucellosis scheme is not satisfactory and we are disappointed with it. We could wish for a greater response to this voluntary scheme.
When does the Parliamentary Secretary expect to be able to compensate those herd owners in County Meath who are in milk production and who are particularly hard hit by the brucellosis eradication scheme?
This matter is actively under consideration.
For how long has it been under consideration and when does the Parliamentary Secretary expect to act on it as distinct from actively considering it?
I do not think the time taken will be unduly long.
(Cavan): Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the maximum compensation of £140 that is paid for non-pedigree cows which react is totally inadequate and that farmers are at a serious loss as a result? Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider increasing the ceiling in respect of these reactors?
I do not agree that the maximum payable is totally inadequate.
(Cavan): It is in many cases.
I consider it to be fair and reasonable.