(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in regard to the incidence of contagious abortion in all southern counties, he considers that a large number of infected cattle are being offered for sale at public marts; and whether he considers any steps are necessary in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Incidence of Contagious Abortion.
64.
I have no evidence to this effect. Pending the introduction of a full scale eradication programme in the counties concerned, it would not be practicable to control the sale of animals not certified to be free of the disease. Since June last, a calfhood vaccination programme has been in operation in eleven counties, including those of the south. This will provide an ample stock of cows resistant to the disease in a few years' time.
Surely the Minister is aware that the incidence of contagious abortion is on the increase not alone in the south of Ireland but throughout the whole country? Further, will the Minister consider making it a notifiable disease and would he get the agricultural instructors, through press advertisements or otherwise, to bring to the notice of herd owners that both in their own and the national interest they should notify veterinary surgeons immediately this disease comes to their knowledge?
The point is that we are about to embark on a full-scale programme for the eradication of this disease. The first step has already been taken. The free calfhood vaccination scheme which was introduced last June will be followed by the inauguration this summer of the full-scale eradication programme in north-western counties from whence it will eventually spread through the whole country.
Surely the Minister knows that in the meantime a good deal can be done in the different counties to bring to the notice of those people who have affected cattle that they should not offer them for sale or sell them to their neighbours and spread the disease, as is happening at the present time?
Every herd owner in these 11 counties got a brochure from us explaining the free calfhood vaccination scheme.
Was that with the Christmas message?
It was separate.