Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 7

Written Answers. - Pigeon Racing Clubs.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

275 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the hardship involved for members of pigeon racing clubs in paying vets for injections against Paramyxovirus; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that clubs are sufficiently well organised to undertake the injecting themselves; if he will now agree to granting them this right; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Because of the relationship between Paramyxovirus in pigeons and Newcastle disease in poultry, my Department requires that racing pigeon flocks be vaccinated. The vaccination of poultry is prohibited in this country and the importation of vaccine is, therefore, controlled to ensure that unauthorised use does not occur. In the circumstances, I do not consider that a change in the rules regarding the use of vaccine in pigeons is justified.