asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will change the 30 days test as in the pre-election manifesto; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
264.
Written Answers. - Animal Disease Eradication.
263.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will re-examine the 30 days test; and if he will make a statement on its success.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 together.
Because of the enormous volume of cattle movement in this country, pre-movement testing plays a vital role in the disease eradication programme. Since its introduction in 1978, pre-movement testing has led to the disclosure of over 10,000 reactors; it also enables infection in the herds of origin to be detected and tackled much earlier than would otherwise be the case. In the case of cattle going to other member states, the 30 day test is mandatory under EEC law.
The possible extension of the 30 day test period is one of the many aspects of the disease eradication programme at present undergoing a comprehensive review. I shall be making a statement when that review is completed.
265.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider setting up isolation pens for calves in locked-up herds and arrange that a test be provided in one week so that the calves could be sold.
266.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will agree to putting up an isolation pen in dairy farms that are infected with animal disease for the purpose of the sale of calves.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
Except in the case of suckler herds, calves are normally isolated from adult cattle shortly after birth. However, where there is disease already in the environment, this isolation does not rule out the possibility of the calves becoming infected. In the circumstances, there can be no question of such calves being automatically granted disease-free status.
Tests for TB or Brucellosis are not reliable in the case of calves one week old.