asked the Minister for Agriculture the steps he proposes to take in order to curtail the serious increase in the spread of bovine TB in south-east Galway; and if he is aware that the spread of the disease has now reached crisis proportions affecting numerous herd owners in this area of the county.
Written Answers. - Bovine TB.
402.
It is not correct to say that the spread of bovine tuberculosis in southeast Galway has reached crisis proportions. There is, however, a continuing TB problem in the area, largely attributable to lateral spread due to poor fencing and fragmentation of holdings. My Department are tackling the TB problem in the county by an intensive programme of check-testing of herds in high risk areas.
Question No. 403 withdrawn.