Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 4

Written Answers - Animal Disease Control.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

87 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether the mixing of animals of different herds in cattle marts and sales yards undermines animal disease control regulations and contributes to the dissemination of diseases; and the changes, if any, he proposes to introduce to safeguard animal health in these situations. [6136/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Under animal health and livestock marts regulations only animals from clear herds, which are in test for TB and-or brucellosis and which are accompanied by valid cattle identify cards may be presented at a mart for sale. The procedures are designed to ensure that the animal health status of individual animals or herds is maintained and to minimise the risk of spreading disease.