Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 2

Written Answers. - Financial Compensation.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

40 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he intends to take to alleviate the hardship suffered by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford whose herd has been infected by bovine viral diarrhoea; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

41 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the compensation, if any, available for farmers whose herds become infected by bovine viral diarrhoea; if there is none available, the measures, if any, he intends to take to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 41 together.

Bovine viral diarrhoea — BVD — is not a scheduled disease under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966. There are no funds at my disposal out of which financial assistance could be given to cover outbreaks of this disease.

Eradication of BVD in Ireland or elsewhere is not a practical proposition. When serious outbreaks occur, advice should be sought by the owners of affected herds from their veterinary surgeons. The Department's Veterinary Laboratory Service is available to provide additional advice if required.