asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will reconsider the compulsory inoculation and vaccination of pedigree racing pigeons for Paramyxo virus in view of the fact that there has been no outbreak of it in the south of Ireland and that most people concerned with this aspect in the industry are opposed to the ruling due to the fact that it is expensive and potentially dangerous; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Racing Pigeons.
494.
Compulsory vaccination of racing pigeons against Paramyxo virus disease has not been introduced. My Department are currently involved in discussing with various interested parties the introduction of a voluntary scheme of vaccination to prevent the introduction of the disease here. Such vaccination will protect birds being taken abroad for racing, where they would be likely to come into contact with the disease and become infected.