asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will outline the progress made in the eradication of liver fluke since the setting up in 1967 of the liver fluke advisory group; the action taken in line with the initial recommendations of the group; when he expects final recommendations to be available; and if he is satisfied with progress to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Liver Fluke Eradication.
63.
Because of the complex nature of the liver fluke problem, measures against it are aimed at control and reduction of the economic losses caused by it rather than eradication.
Progress since 1967 is difficult to measure since the weather over the past three seasons has tended to reduce seasonal incidence.
The main measures taken by my Department in pursuance of the advisory group's recommendations have been:—
(1) the provision of fluke diagnostic facilities at a number of district veterinary offices and regional laboratories;
(2) the setting up of procedures whereby, under the guidance of the group, the Department veterinary research laboratory, the Meteorological Office and the appropriate branch of the British Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food cooperate in producing an annual fluke-weather forecast which is widely publicised. This is accompanied by advice as to the correct times for dosing and management of stock to reduce fluke losses;
(3) trials with molluscicides aimed at determining the optimum timing and application rates to destroy the mud snail which is an essential link in the life cycle of the fluke;
(4) trials to determine the efficacy of fluke drugs—new drugs being tested as they become available.
(5) trials to determine the effects of fluke infestation in beef cattle in the first two years of life. The Agricultural Institute and the universities have been co-operating in these.
The work of the advisory group is a continuing process of reviewing the current situation in regard to liver fluke and recommending short term control measures and basic programmes of investigation. The problem is a continuing one and the group, which reports its findings regularly, is not expected to furnish a formal final report.
I am satisfied that this hard working group is approaching the problem on the right lines and is giving sound practical advice.