Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 May 1993

Vol. 431 No. 5

Written Answers. - Health Risk from Wild Cats.

Noel Ahern

Question:

75 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the problem of wild cats which is becoming a major health issue in some parts of Dublin, particularly since the closure of the cats and dogs home; if he will make a statement on the matter giving details of those bodies responsible for this issue, as both the corporation and the health board claim to have no statutory responsibility in the matter; and if he will give details of the infections, if any, which can be contracted from cats' scratches or urine.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

I am aware of concerns expressed regarding a possible health risk from wild cats in the Dublin area. While my Department has no statutory responsibility in the control of wild cats as such, any potentially serious health risk from whatever source, would be of concern to me.

Infections associated with cats are toxoplasmosis and cats scratch fever. Toxoplasmosis can be transmitted via cat droppings in the soil to humans and other animals. Cat scratch fever is normally linked to a bite or scratch from a cat. In very rare cases rabies may be carried by cats but this has occurred only in countries where rabies cases are prevalent. At a recent meeting between officials of my Department and representatives of the Cats' Protection Association of Ireland the Association undertook to submit a formal document outlining the problem as they perceived it, how they thought it should be dealt with and what the costs involved would be. It will then be a matter for consideration whether any special measures are required to deal with the matter and if so by what authority.