asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that there appears to be a serious breakdown of the warble fly treatment; and if he will make a statement on his future plans for the eradication of this pest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Warble Fly Treatment.
64.
I presume the Deputy is referring to reports of the incidence of warble in animals which were treated last autumn.
I am advised that where warbles appear on cattle which have been correctly treated they do not as a rule mature to become capable of repeating the life cycle.
Given the continued co-operation of the organisations concerned. I intend that general dressing for warbles will be repeated in 1972 and 1973. My Department are at present having discussions with those organisations in the matter.
Will the Minister make his answer well known to farming interests, as there is considerable disquiet? People feel that the effort and expenditure on the dressing last autumn were completely wasted? Would the Minister make it clear that there has to be a further dressing before the cycle is fully ended to relieve apprehension?
Yes. This is important.