asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the fact that human brucellosis is widespread and increasing, he will state the measures that are in force to ensure that milk supplies are properly pasteurized; and if he will make a statement on the new and more effective measures that are needed to be put into operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Human Brucellosis.
56.
All milk used for manufacturing purposes is either pasteurised or raised to a temperature high enough to destroy any brucellosis organisms that may be present.
In the case of milk for liquid consumption practically all such milk sold in the main urban areas is pasteurised, and it is estimated that in the country as a whole at least 75 per cent of the total quantity sold is pasteurised. Under the Milk and Dairies legislation the Minister for Health may, at the request of a local sanitary authority, make an order requiring the pasteurisation of milk sold for human consumption in the area of that authority. Orders to this effect have so far been made in respect of the Dublin and Limerick city areas.
The operation of the brucellosis eradication scheme in 13 counties is greatly reducing the incidence of the disease in cattle, and consequently the risk of infection of humans by means of contaminated milk. The extension of the scheme to the entire country will, of course, provide the most effective safeguard against such infection.
Is the Minister satisfied that the statutory regulations for the pasteurisation of milk are properly observed in all cases? My information is to the contrary; in certain isolated cases the statutory regulations are treated in a rather slipshod manner.
I will have this matter looked at if such a danger exists.