Mary Wallace (Meath, Fianna Fail)

The Veterinary Council is dealing with that and has introduced new protocols. The Department has given advice to horse owners and in view of the veterinary association involvement in this matter, the Department is reiterating the advice consistently given over the past five months that veterinary practitioners should at all times observe the highest standards of hygiene and should ensure that in all circumstances contaminated veterinary instruments are either appropriately disposed of or thoroughly sterilised before reuse.

The most recent of the 28 cases was confirmed on 10 December 2006. That is over eight weeks ago, or 57 days. Prior to this, the longest period between cases had been 27 days, 25 days and 20 days, respectively. This period of 57 days since 10 December last is important and we hope that the outlook is improving.

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