asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the precautions he has taken or proposes to take to prevent the entry of the rabies virus into this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rabies Virus.
57.
Stringent veterinary precautions are taken to prevent the entry of rabies into this country. These measures include the prohibition, except under licence, of the importation of dogs and cats and other rabies-suspectible animals from places other than Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Animals allowed in under licence must undergo a period of not less than six months quarantine and must be vaccinated against rabies during quarantine.
The possibility of illegal importations is guarded against by continuous and intensive surveillance at all ports and airports. Close liaison is maintained between the Irish and British authorities so as to ensure against either country being used as a backdoor entry for rabies-susceptible animals.
Our controls are kept under continuous review in the light of developments in the rabies situation abroad. They would be immediately intensified and extended should a change of circumstances so warrant.
In view of the fact that there seems to be a rabies outbreak does the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that now is the time for intensifying all precautions?
Whenever there is any doubt all precautions are intensified.