asked the Minister for Agriculture the circumstances in which it is proposed to require farmers to keep records of changes in their herd, in accordance with the provision of Article 28 of the Bovine Tuberculosis Order, 1978.
Written Answers. - Cattle Disease Eradication.
507.
Ideally all farmers should keep records of births, deaths, acquisition and disposals of cattle. For the time being, I propose to use the powers conferred on me by the order in cases where I am satisfied that it is in the best interest of disease eradication that individual herdowners should keep records.
508.
asked the Minister for Agriculture why both brucellosis and tuberculosis reactors are to be subjected to a diamond shaped ear punch; and if he has considered the use of different shapes for each disease.
The diamond shaped ear-punch has been used down through the years to identify both TB and brucellosis reactors. The system has worked well and I see no good reason for using different shapes of punch for each disease.
509.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if clear standards have been laid down as to what constitutes effective isolation of an inconclusive animal from the remainder of the herd in accordance with Article 10 (2) of the Bovine Tuberculosis Order, 1978; upon whom the responsibility is devolved to ensure that the requirements are effectively communicated to farmers; and if he is satisfied that adequate isolation facilities exist on all farms.
My Department's officers, who are responsible for the operation of all aspects of the disease eradication schemes at local level, are quite clear as to what constitutes effective isolation of an inconclusive animal and will advise the farmer on each individual case.
I am not satisfied that adequate isolation facilities exist on all farms. Steps to rectify this situation are under consideration in my Department.
510.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the disinfectants that are approved for use in accordance with Article 14 (1) of the Bovine Tuberculosis Order, 1978; and where they are manufactured.
Following is the information sought:
|
Name of Disinfectant |
Manufactured by |
|
Osmodex |
Osmond & Son (Dublin) Ltd., Broomhill Road, Tallaght, Co. Dublin. |
|
Iosan 4 |
Ciba-geigy Agro Ltd., Industrial Estate, Waterford. |
|
Halamid |
Akzo, Holland. |
|
Distributed by:— |
|
|
Philips-Duphar (Ireland) Ltd., Rainsford Street, Dublin 8. |
511.
asked the Minister for Agriculture why there is no limit to the time for which a farmer may be prohibited from grazing certain lands under the provision of Article 14 of the Bovine Tuberculosis Order, 1978; and if there is provision for appeal against an unreasonable prohibition.
The time limit will be fixed in each individual case, with due regard to the veterinary aspects of the herdowner's situation. A herdowner who feels aggrieved at the application of this provision is free to present his case to my Department.