asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if any steps have been taken to discover the number of cattle and sheep which have died during the last few months from fluke disease, and, if not, whether steps would be taken to have the Gárda Síochána instructed to ascertain particulars from farmers; and whether he would be prepared to recommend a free loan to farmers who have lost practically all their stock owing to the disease.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FLUKE IN CATTLE AND SHEEP.
Mr. HOGAN
From the reports so far received from Agricultural Instructors and Overseers, it is clear that the mortality of sheep through this disease has become very prevalent throughout the West, and particularly in Counties Galway and Roscommon, in which counties probably thirty or forty per cent. of the sheep have become affected. Possibly, from four to five per cent. have died. In Counties Sligo, Mayo, Clare, and Kerry the position is not so serious. In other parts of the country the disease is mostly confined to the low-lying districts, and even in these areas the mortality amongst sheep is only slightly higher than in a normal year.
Fluke in cattle is also much more prevalent than usual, but is apparently confined almost entirely to young cattle, principally in the West of Ireland. In the North of County Roscommon about a quarter of last year's calves or yearling stock have died. In Counties Cavan, Louth, Longford, and Kerry the disease has also made considerable headway amongst cattle, mainly in the low-lying districts.
It is not considered necessary, in view of the information at the Department's disposal, to make inquiries from the Gárda Síochána.
As the Deputy is probably aware, the Department have made arrangements whereby farmers may obtain at a moderate cost (3d. per sheep) supplies of a tested specific for the treatment of infected sheep, and are doing what is possible to induce farmers to take advantage of this arrangement.
It is impossible to say at present whether the epidemic will develop to such an extent as to make it necessary to adopt special measures for the relief of the farmers concerned.