Vol. 216 No. 1
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there has been a considerable number of losses from brucellosis in dairy herds in certain parts of County Limerick; and, if so, if he will provide some form of financial assistance to those farmers who have sustained exceptionally high losses.
54.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that dairy farmers are becoming very perturbed about the alarming increase in the incidence of brucellosis; and, if so, if he will give full details of his Department's plans to eradicate this disease.
55.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the vaccine Strain 19 is no longer available; and if he can state the reason why.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 53, 54 and 55 together.
There have been some reports of an increase in the number of abortions. While a proportion of these was probably due to conditions other than Brucellosis, it does appear that the incidence of this disease has risen to some extent, which however could not be described as alarming.
The plans I have already announced for the elimination of Brucellosis provide for different procedures in different areas, depending on the local incidence of the disease.
As from today, a Calfhood Vaccination Scheme is in operation in Counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Dublin, Kildare and Meath, which are the counties of highest incidence. Herd-owners in those counties can now have their heifer calves aged between 3 and 6 months vaccinated free of charge. A brochure explaining the scheme is being sent to every herd-owner in those counties.
In addition, a Brucellosis (Certified) Herds Scheme operates throughout the country as from today. This generally is on the same lines as the Attested Herds Scheme and should prove of assistance to herd-owners who wish to establish and register herds which can be certified to be free of the disease.
I hope shortly to introduce legislation which will provide the necessary legal authority to proceed with an eradication programme proper. Under this legislation I propose to introduce an eradication scheme in some counties of the North-west where the incidence of the disease is comparatively light. The scheme will be based on blood testing of breeding stock and the purchase of reactors. As in the case of tuberculosis eradication, these clearance measures will be gradually extended throughout the country.
It is essential to the success of the Brucellosis Eradication Scheme that the use of Strain 19 be strictly controlled. Otherwise it would be impossible to tell whether an animal vaccinated over the age of about 6 months, and later giving a positive reaction to the blood test, in fact has the disease or not. As from 17th May, therefore, the sale of anti-abortion vaccine except to veterinary surgeons has been prohibited by an Order which has been laid before this House.
Does that mean that from now on one may not inoculate one's own beasts against brucellosis?
Yes.
That is the daftest provision ever made by the Department of Agriculture.
It is an essential first step if we are to have a brucellosis eradication scheme.
Essential to stop everyone protecting his own cattle from brucellosis?
We are giving a free vaccination scheme.
But not in all counties.
In all counties where the incidence of the disease is high and, as soon as we get the necessary legislation, we will proceed with a full-scale eradication programme in the seven counties in which there is the greatest need. At the same time we will proceed with a calf vaccination scheme in the other counties.
It is the daftest thing I ever heard of.
Will Dublin be one of these counties?
Yes.
