andMr. O'Toole asked the Minister for Agriculture if quarantine procedures will be revised in view of the outbreak of enzootic bovine leukosis amongst bulls imported from Canada; if it is possible to eradicate the disease; and, if so, if a target date for eradication will be set.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Bovine Disease Eradication .
25.
: The quarantine procedures applicable to imported cattle are adequate and not in need of any revision. A more specific test for bovine leukosis, which was not available a few years ago when these animals were imported, is now in use here. Eradication of the disease is possible and I would hope that this can be achieved quickly.
I cannot be more specific until the tests at present being carried out on the remainder of the imported animals, their progeny and in contact animals are completed.
: What exactly is the disease?
: It is a disease of the blood cells of animals. It is pretty serious and hard to detect.
26.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the latest information available to him on the incidence of warbles and when plans for a compulsory dressing scheme this autumn will be finalised.
: The returns from my Department's district veterinary offices for the month of May this year show warble infection in 5.8 per cent of animals examined compared with 4.1 per cent for the corresponding month last year.
It is the intention to make a statutory order requiring all cattle to be dressed for warbles this autumn and details of a scheme to facilitate herdowners in meeting this requirement are currently being discussed between the interests concerned. It is hoped to have the matter finalised at a very early date.