asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make malignant catarrhal fever a notifiable disease; if he will pay compensation to farmers whose animals are affected by same; and if he will pay compensation for the slaughter of the sheep who are carriers of the disease.
Written Answers. - Sheep Virus.
123.
Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a virus harboured by sheep which are not affected by it but can pass the disease on to cattle with fatal consequences. There is no method of diagnosing the condition in sheep nor is there any effective veterinary treatment against the disease. Producers can avoid its occurrence through proper and effective management and especially by separating cattle and sheep during lambing time. My Department have alerted farmers to the dangers and circumstances of the disease.
In the circumstances making MCF a notifiable disease for slaughter and compensation purposes is not warranted.