Regional TB rates and cattle eradication
Mac Giolla asked for regional figures and whether TB in cattle was hindering progress. The Minister said cases had levelled off, promised a regional breakdown, and stressed vaccination, early treatment and cattle eradication.
Has the Minister any breakdown on the regions? There seems to be a marked difference in various regions in the incidence of TB. I missed one of the Minister's figures, but it seems there is no decrease in the incidence of TB. Does the Minister think the reason for the failure to reduce the incidence of TB is the continued existence of TB in cattle? Is that a major factor?
Comment on this
The incidence of new cases of TB has levelled off in recent years. None of us is satisfied with the current plateau. I will find out the exact regional breakdown and I will send the information to the Deputy. It is essential that people should avail of the BCG vaccination, that there should be very early treatment of cases, and that we eradicate TB in cattle.