Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 6

Written Answers. - Disease Eradication.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

155 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether his Department requires additional powers in the area of forced depopulation of herds to facilitate disease eradication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9048/99]

The Diseases of Animals Act, 1966, provides the legal basis to slaughter any animals or poultry affected with a class A disease or suspected of being so affected.

In the case of class B diseases, such as TB and brucellosis, a legal basis exists to slaughter reactor animals. The depopulation of animals in a herd which have been in contact with reactor animals, prior to disclosure, is undertaken on a voluntary basis.

I have no plans to seek additional powers at this time.

Barr
Roinn