(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give sole discretion to the superintendent veterinary surgeon attached to each of the county veterinary offices to partially depopulate herds in respect of the brucellosis and TB eradication scheme where, in his opinion, it is necessary as this discretion is not afforded to them at present and as it is required in the interests of the speedy eradication of these diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Bovine Disease Eradication Programme.
102.
Under the bovine disease eradication programme, partial depopulation, which assumes total segregation of the cattle concerned from others on the holding, is an exceptional measure which requires joint consideration and close liaison between veterinary officers at headquarters and at local level. This procedure causes no undue delay in giving superintending veterinary inspectors approval for partial depopulation when the disease situation warrants this approach.