Vol. 471 No. 8
119 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the regulations governing public officials of his Department and other public agencies traversing land across farms in relation to animal health and hygiene; if, under ERAD or other regulations, such persons have an obligation to disinfect their footwear or take other precautions to ensure disease is not spread; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22330/96]
In general departmental field staff are given advice on proper hygienic procedures to be followed on entering and leaving a holding to minimise the risk of the spread of infection between farms. In addition, such officers are provided with or have access to supplies of disinfectant together with appropriate protective clothing. The Department also issues annual instructions in this regard to private veterinary practitioners who enter holdings to carry out testing of cattle under the disease eradication schemes.
In the case of restricted holdings, herdowners are statutorily obliged to place receptacles containing approved disinfectant at any entrance to or exit from their holdings.
