asked the Minister for Agriculture when he will announce his plans for the sale of calves in 1983 from herds (a) which are restricted and (b) free.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Calves.
15.
As regards the movement of calves from herds which are restricted because of disease my Department are at present seeking to devise arrangements which would enable movement to take place in certain circumstances without exposing the purchasers to disease risks. Movement of calves from free herds is, of course, not subject to disease restrictions.
The Minister indicated that his Department are considering ways of allowing some movement from herds where disease has been detected. Does this mean that a judgment will be made on the basis of the disease record in each herd?
That is right.
What provisions does the Minister propose to make in relation to the second part of his answer, which is to ensure that this happens without incurring a disease risk for the purchasers of those animals?
At the moment discussions are taking place between the farming organisations, my veterinary officers and practising veterinary officers with a view to working out a scheme along those lines. The farmers will have to tag the calves. This will involve them to a greater degree in keeping records and hopefully will help our disease eradication programme.
The Minister is suggesting that an assessment will be made of the disease risk in each particular herd.
That is right.
If it is found that there is a very low risk some movement would be permitted in the case of calves?
That is right.
Would the Minister consider applying that principle to the movement of older animals out of the herds?
I will. That would appear to be rational.
When will this be possible?
Before the end of this month. I would like to have all these facts and decisions in documented form ready for herd owners very early in December.