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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1965

Vol. 214 No. 8

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Incidence of Leptospirosis.

12.

(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Health if he will state the incidence of leptospirosis; and whether any steps have been taken in the form of a serological survey to investigate its incidence amongst persons employed at abattoirs and dealing with domestic animals.

The incidence in this country of that form of leptospirosis known as Weil's disease in recent years has been as follows:—

Year

Number Cases

1960

12

1961

4

1962

1963

2

1964

6

No steps have been taken to carry out a serological survey such as is visualised in the question, but a special analysis of cases of the disease in Ireland in the years 1952 to 1961 was made in 1962 by a member of the medical staff of my Department. The comprehensive survey which the Deputy has in mind, involving as it would the testing of practically the entire farming population, would be very expensive and, having regard to the small number of cases, would not be justified.

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