asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly whose two neighbours have a substantial number of bovine TB reactors which have not been removed; the circumstances in which this has arisen; and the steps being taken to deal with the matter.
Written Answers. - Bovine TB Reactors.
74.
As regards the first neighbouring herdowner referred to, the reactors concerned have been retained on the holding beyond the normal time limit to enable my Department's veterinary officers to carry out essential research. The relevant experiments have now been completed and arrangements made for the slaughter of the reactors by the end of the month. Special precautions have been taken by the herdowner concerned under the supervision of my Department's veterinary officers to avoid spread of disease.
In the case of the second neighbouring herdowner the permit authorising the removal of reactors has issued but the ten day period allowed to him to have the animals slaughtered has not yet expired.