andMr. O'Toole asked the Minister for Agriculture if quarantine procedures will be revised in view of the outbreak of enzootic bovine leukosis amongst bulls imported from Canada; if it is possible to eradicate the disease; and, if so, if a target date for eradication will be set.

: The quarantine procedures applicable to imported cattle are adequate and not in need of any revision. A more specific test for bovine leukosis, which was not available a few years ago when these animals were imported, is now in use here. Eradication of the disease is possible and I would hope that this can be achieved quickly.

I cannot be more specific until the tests at present being carried out on the remainder of the imported animals, their progeny and in contact animals are completed.

: What exactly is the disease?

: It is a disease of the blood cells of animals. It is pretty serious and hard to detect.

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