Vol. 379 No. 8
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that outbreaks of a highly contagious disease known as leptospirosis is on the increase amongst our dairy herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
15.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give serious consideration to include the disease of leptospirosis in the schedule of diseases for slaughter and compensation purposes under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966, in view of the very dangerous nature of the disease and the fact that there is evidence that it can also spread from animals to humans; if he will confirm that in recent years there has been an increase in the incidence of this disease in the national herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 15 together.
Leptospira are among the most widely distributed bacteria in nature causing disease in most species of animal and in man throughout the world.
Leptospirosis in cattle has been found among dairy herds in this country and the severity varies depending on the immune status of the herd. Advances in diagnostic techniques and the virtual elimination of brucellosis, which tends to mask leptospirosis, have identified leptospirosis as a cause of milk drop, abortions and perinatal death in some herds. There is, however, no evidence to indicate an increase in the national incidence and, as the disease can be readily controlled by vaccination or by antibiotic therapy, I see no need for a slaughter and compensation policy in respect of affected herds.
My Department's veterinary laboratories provide a diagnostic and advisory service to herdowners through their veterinary practitioners and there is a leaflet on leptospirosis available from the Department which outlines the control procedures and farm management practices which should be followed.
Would the Minister accept that there are farming families who have suffered greatly through anxiety about catching this disease? There is a financial burden on these people, although I accept that the number involved is not large. These people are affected in the same way as those who have a brucellosis or TB breakout. They are in a similar financial situation and we should see if they could be included under the relevant regulations.
I can understand the Deputy's concern and the basis on which he presents his case. I am told that these bacteria are ubiquitous and will be found in every form of human and animal life. To attempt to eradicate the disease would be to attempt the impossible. It certainly would not be cost effective. For that reason there is no special scheme. As our success in tackling brucellosis is more evident, then the consequences of the abortion symptom which were always assumed to attach to brucellosis only now can be associated with leptospirosis. I will keep the matter under review. It would be next to impossible in view of the nature of these bacteria to have a cost effective programme for eradication.
The Deputy is looking for compensation, not eradication.
Is the Minister aware that leptospirosis is a notifiable disease and has he taken any steps through his Department to notify farmers, vets and the medical profession as to what the situation is?
I have done just that. We have issued numerous circulars through the various offices of my Department and of ACOT.
Pointing out that it is a notifiable disease?
Yes. I will let the Deputy have copies of the circular. My Department and the ACOT advisers are very anxious to help in any way possible.
