asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is concerned at the number of cases of bovine TB in County Monaghan; if a cause has been found for these outbreaks; and the plans he has to prevent further spread of the disease.

The most common causes of outbreaks of TB in County Monaghan are generally to be found in lateral spread of disease due to poor fencing and fragmentation of holdings. While every outbreak of disease is a matter of concern, there has been a significant improvement in recent months in TB prevalence within the county, dropping from a peak of 164 restricted herds in October 1985 to 119 at 31 January 1986. A recent serious outbreak in a herd in the Donaghmoyne area of Carrickmacross is being closely monitored by my Department, with special attention being given to contiguous herds. The indications so far suggest that the outbreak is not likely to occasion serious disease spread in the area concerned.

Would the Minister agree that when 60 or 70 animals in a herd are affected the situation is very serious and that a study investigating housing, yards and so on, should be undertaken in that area?

I was particularly worried when I read some background information in this case. A special check carried out on this herd on 4 October 1985 disclosed one reactor and the holding was duly restricted. At a retest on 21 November all the animals were clear, but the second re-test on 13 February to determine if the restriction could be lifted disclosed 66 reactors out of a total of 149 animals. I am particularly worried when that type of situation can arise. The facts speak for themselves.

Would the Minister agree that the situation is serious when a county which had a declining number of serious cases in the last few years appears to have an increasing number of areas affected?

As I pointed out, the overall position in Monaghan has improved significantly in the last few months.

Not in Sligo.

There are a few black spots but nationally the position has improved.