asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is satisfied that brucellosis reactor cows from the clearance areas are not being sold in the pre-clearance areas of the south; and the measures that are being adopted to prevent such a trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Brucellosis Reactor Cows.
55.
The results of brucellosis blood tests in the compulsory eradication area are not disclosed until the reactors have been ear punched and the herd has been placed under restriction by officers of my Department. The movement of animals from such herds is illegal and any person who moved a reactor out of his herd would be subject to prosecution. No such case has arisen. I consider that these are adequate prevention measures.
Is the Minister satisfied that there is no widespread movement of such cattle into the pre-clearance area of the south?
All the information at my disposal indicates that that is so.
The reason I raised the question is that I want to draw attention to the serious situation which arises with regard to brucellosis itself in the first place and——
Before the Deputy goes any further may I give additional information? No case has ever been recorded in the Department where a reactor cow from the clearance area has been sold in the pre-clearance areas of the south.
My information is to the contrary. I sincerely hope that the Minister's information is correct. I want to draw the attention of the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and the Minister for Health to what I believe is the rising danger of human brucellosis as well as bovine brucellosis.
It should be a reducing incidence. I am personally convinced that the diagnosis of brucellosis in human beings is better now than it was some years ago. Many more medical people are alert to this and diagnosing it.
Brucellosis has spread extensively and that is why the diagnoses have been made so easily.
We have six counties completely eradicated and eight more under clearance. This, plus the fact that milk all over the country is being pasturised, should have an effect. It is very difficult to see how the incidence could be increased.
There are people walking around who have this disease.
It is not transmitted that way.