Vol. 418 No. 7
57 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline for the year 1991, (1) the total number of herds in this country, (2) the total number of bovines in these herds, (3) the total number of animals tested for (a) tuberculosis and (b) brucellosis and (4) the total number of reactors confirmed with each disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In 1991, there were 172,765 herds registered under the disease eradication schemes containing 6.84 million animals.
Under the TB eradication scheme there were 6.9 million animal tests. In addition 1.3 million animals were tested privately. A total of 36,832 animals were removed as TB reactors in the course of the year.
As regards brucellosis 0.6 million animals were blood tested for brucellosis while 45,000 herds were tested under the bulk milk ring test. While 1,860 animals were positive to the test an additional 3,482 animals were removed as part of the ERAD policy of slaughtering in-contact animals.
