asked the Minister for Agriculture (a) the nature of the disease affecting mares at the National Stud, Tully, County Kildare, (b) the number of mares affected, (c) the source of the disease, and (d) what efforts are being made to combat the disease.

This disease is commonly called strangles. The latest report indicates that 67 mares are affected. There is no conclusive evidence as to the source of the outbreak but it is believed that it was introduced at the incubation stage by a mare which on entry to the stud exhibited no clinical symptoms. Affected stock are being treated and all necessary measures, including disinfection of infected premises, have been adopted to control spread of the disease. My Department's Veterinary Research Laboratory has located two experienced veterinary officers at the Stud and we are continually in touch with the Stud authorities and the veterinary practitioners concerned.

Considering the value of the bloodstock industry to the economy of the county, will the Minister take action to prohibit itinerants' horses from roaming the country and carrying and spreading this disease?

That is a separate question.

It is a separate question, indeed, and I do not think this particular outbreak can be attributed to horses belonging to itinerants.

Is it not a well known fact that these horses are roaming the countryside and carrying disease to the different studs, and that mares from another stud can be brought to the National Stud and spread the disease?

I do not think that is the position at all. I do not think any breeder of thoroughbred bloodstock would allow his stock to come in contact with horses belonging to itinerants.

(South Tipperary): Class distinction.

As a matter of fact, a short time ago itinerants' horses killed a mare belonging to one of the biggest bloodstock breeders in our county who is also a member of the Dáil.

Has the Minister ever heard of gates being open?

The particular disease we are talking about, strangles, is not a notifiable disease. It is more or less endemic and the only thing we can do is to try to deal with it anywhere it arises.

Does the Minister not agree that it is easily spread and can do damage to brood mares and thoroughbred horses?

The present outbreak is in the National Stud, and I think it is stretching it a bit far to suggest it was brought to the National Stud by itinerants' horses.

Would the Minister consider making it notifiable?

That has been considered on a number of occasions and rejected.

Is the Minister fully satisfied with the precautions taken in the National Stud to ensure that visiting mares do not introduce the disease?

My official and personal information is that the National Stud is one of the best run studs in the country.

We all know that.

Would the Minister send Miss Cossie there?

I sent The Chaser there and she escaped the strangles, thank God.