Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 8

Written Answers. - Vaccination of Pigeons.

Seán Haughey

Question:

138 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the meetings, if any, or the submissions, if any, he has received from the Irish Homing Union, the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, the Irish National Flying Club and the East Coast Federation of Racing Pigeon Clubs in relation to vaccinations of pigeons and other issues in recent months; if so, the matters raised by these groups; his views on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3950/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

Discussions have been held on a number of occasions recently between officials of my Department and representatives of the Irish Homing Union (IHU) in relation to the introduction of an alternative system for the vaccination of pigeons by pigeon fanciers. Under the new system, operative from 1 January 1996, pigeon clubs affiliated to the Irish Homing Union will be able to arrange for the vaccination of pigeons belonging to their members. However, the release of the vaccine will still be subject to the supervision of a veterinary practitioner. Vaccination records will be furnished to my Department by the IHU. The East Coast Federation of Racing Pigeons Clubs has indicated that it wishes to continue with the existing system of pigeon vaccination whereby vaccination is carried out directly by veterinary surgeons. I have no objection to any federation continuing with the existing vaccination system.

As the Deputy will be aware, there is a general non-vaccinating policy in the poultry industry in Ireland and strict controls are required on vaccine supplies to ensure that this status is maintained.