asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make a statement regarding the need to have intensive follow-up investigations carried out to establish the cause and source where outbreaks of bovine TB and brucellosis have occurred; and the number of personnel employed in this area.
Written Answers. - Bovine TB and Brucellosis.
17.
A comprehensive epidemiology report is prepared by a veterinary inspector of my Department in the case of every outbreak of bovine TB and brucellosis. The purpose of the report is to identify the immediate cause of the outbreak with a view to preventing further disease spread and providing a sound basis for eradication measures. Where investigations prove to be especially difficult at local level, veterinary experts from headquarters and the Veterinary Research Laboratory may be called upon to assist.
There are 143 veterinary inspectors whose duties under the disease eradication schemes include an epidemiology function.