asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in practice, in all cases the 30-day permitted movement period for brucellosis coincides with that for tuberculosis; and, in the absence of such coincidence, if the period in which animals may, in fact, be moved is less than 30 days.
Written Answers. - Animal Disease Eradication.
223.
Because of the different nature of the tests for TB and brucellosis the dates of the tests may not always coincide. In the normal course, however, this should not mean that the herd-owner has less than 30 days in which to move his cattle. I appreciate that in some individual cases, the time may be slightly curtailed but it would be extremely difficult to ensure an absolutely uniform period in all cases.
224.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of delays of up to three weeks in the punching of reactors; and the average delay from notification to the District Veterinary Office of the existence of the reactor.
As I announced some time ago, it is intended that all animals which react to the tuberculin test will be ear-punched at the time of reading the result of the test. Arrangements have been completed for the introduction of this system in January next and it is expected that any delays occurring in the identification of reactors under the present arrangements will then be eliminated.