Vol. 410 No. 7
55 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the severe hardship caused to farmers when their herds are tested positive for TB, he will remove the order that outside agencies must be employed to disinfect yards at considerable expense, when farmers themselves have the necessary equipment, and in view of the fact that it is in their own interests to see that a thorough job is done.
I have been informed by the Director of ERAD that in all cases where there is evidence of definite transmission of infection the premises in question must be disinfected by the farm relief service. This measure, which applies to infective type breakdowns only, was implemented following a recommendation from the board of ERAD. The high level of repeated breakdowns in these type of herds clearly indicated that disinfection was inadequate in many cases.
I understand from the Director that the changes involved are not excessive when the costs of equipment, labour, and travel are taken into consideration.
