asked the Minister for Agriculture the extent and means whereby bovine tuberculosis, leucosis and brucellosis are communicable to humans; and if liaison is fully and uniformly maintained by his Department with local general practitioners and health authorities, to prevent such disease spreading in all areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle Disease Eradication.
4.
The Deputy will appreciate that my function in relation to the diseases mentioned extends only to their incidence in bovine animals.
I am advised that in the case of tuberculosis and brucellosis, humans may risk infection from contact with diseased animals through handling infective material, drinking contaminated milk or even through inhalation. There is no evidence that leucosis is transmissible to humans.
Appropriate liaison is maintained between the district veterinary offices of my Department and the chief medical officer in each area.
I have two questions. First, in view of the fact that leucosis is a new disease to this country, will the Minister state if any research is being carried out as to its communicability to humans? Second, is there any established guaranteed procedure whereby outbreaks of brucellosis or tuberculosis are automatically referred to the health authorities by officers of his Department to whose notice they come?
In the last number of months a small number of reactor cattle in leucosis tests have been identified. I do not believe that any worthwhile research into the effect of leucosis could be attempted in a comparatively free herd such as ours, but all efforts are being made to determine where the leucosis is and to remove the reactors in the usual way. I cannot tell the Deputy what research, if any, has been done on the continent about the transmissibility of leucosis but if the Deputy wants this information he could put down a question.
I asked about the liaison between the BTE offices and the health authorities.
That is usual in the case of all transmissible diseases.
Could the Minister give more information as to the precise method whereby these outbreaks are communicated? The Minister is aware that there is a high incidence of brucellosis in humans and that there has been some increase in tuberculosis which may be due to bovine causes. Would he let us know that a serious effort is being made to ensure that every preventive measure is taken by the health authorities and that his Department are liaising to the fullest extent with the health authorities to ensure that any outbreak of these diseases is minimised?
I am satisfied that the liaison between the Department and the health authorities is adequate and on the Deputy's suggestion I will determine just how adequate it is and if it is deficient in any way we can remedy the situation.
Thank you.