Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Jul 1991

Vol. 410 No. 6

Written Answers. - TB Reactors.

Frank Crowley

Ceist:

60 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the length of time TB reactors are permitted to stay on a farm; and the reason reactors were allowed on a farm for up to six weeks such as in a case (details supplied) in County Cork.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

I am informed by the director of ERAD that all reactor animals are normally removed, free of charge, under ERAD's national reactor collection service. Reactors are usually removed for slaughter within one week of disclosure.

The case in question concerned the total depopulation of a herd of 137 animals which naturally had serious financial implications for the herdowner involved. The unusual delay in this case was caused by difficulties in securing realistic quotations for the slaughter of the animals. I am satisfied that ERAD made every effort to facilitate their disposal as quickly as possible. I also understand that during the period in question a number of calves died. However the cause of death was not related to bovine tuberculosis.