asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of cattle tested under the 30-day tuberculosis test; and the percentage that have reacted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Tuberculosis Test.
20.
Between 19 October 1978 when the 30-day pre-movement TB test was introduced and 31 December 1978, 212,956 animals were subjected to this test, 0.16 per cent of these proved to be reactors.
Is the Minister satisfied that he is getting at the source of the TB disease having regard to this figure of 0.16 per cent? In other words, 0.1 per cent of the cattle are actually reacting to this test. Has the Minister any plans to stop this futile exercise of the 30-day test in view of the figures in front of us now?
I would not agree with the Deputy that this test is futile. On the basis of these figures, the pre-movement test could be considered very satisfactory since 343 reactor animals, which could otherwise have been moved into cleared herds and spread disease, were slaughtered. In addition, 225 new reactor herds were brought to light thereby enabling the eradication measures to be applied much earlier than would otherwise have been the case. I would not accept that the test is futile. It is worthwhile and the figures bear that out.
What is the actual percentage of reactors to the TB test, the percentage of all cattle?
I have not got that figure. We are dealing only with the 30-day test in this question. If the Deputy puts down a separate question I will get the information for him.
It is a separate question. Question No. 21.