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Veterinary Services

Following the events in Suffolk England,  any calls or queries relating to Avian Flu should be directed to the Department of Agricultures Avian Flu information line at 1890-252283. We would also like to draw your attention to the latest FSAI press release - 'Advice on Avian Influenza'.

For further details, see the FSAI website at: http://www.fsai.ie/news/press/pr_07/pr20070205.asp


Local authority veterinary inspectors are involved in implementing national and EU legislation in the areas of food safety, animal disease and animal welfare.

The following are the services carried out by the Veterinary Service: -

1. Food Safety

One of the main areas of activity is in the provision of veterinary supervision in local authority registered abattoirs and small meat manufacturing plants in the county. This activity is regulated and audited by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as agreed in the service contract between Sligo County Council and the Food Safety Authority. Sligo County Council entered into a 3-year service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) at the beginning of 2003. This contract, which is common to all Local Authorities, forms the basis of much of the work of the Local Authority Veterinary Service. Negotiations are due to commence in 2005 on the next Service Contract. These will take into account the recent introduction of the EU Hygiene Package Regulations, which comes into effect from the beginning of 2006.

2. Abbatoirs

There are currently 3 abattoirs under the supervision of Sligo County Council. The council is required to carry out pre- and post- slaughter checks on all animals, along with continuous monitoring of hygiene and welfare standards and BSE controls. All 3 abattoirs were audited by the FSAI (Food Safety Authority Ireland) in 2003 on their controls of Specified Risk Material (SRM) and all were placed in the top category.

Sligo County Council also took part in a pilot programme run by the FSAI and the Local Authority Veterinary Service, which aims to standardise the inspection process nationwide. This involved the introduction of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and new forms. The programme is now operating nationwide.

In May 2004 one of the two Small Meat Manufacturing plants under the supervision of Sligo County Council NCF Meats, Achonry, was the first plant in the North West to be approved for the new National Health Mark. This involved a considerable investment in time and money by the plant in updating its procedures and documentation.

The FSAI would hope to have all plants registered by the end of 2005. A standardisation programme similar to that introduced in the abattoirs is underway for these plants. Sligo County Council is also participating in this programme.

The inspection of liquid milk producers continued throughout the year. All producers were inspected in 2004 and will be visited again in 2005. The number of producers is expected to fall as the effects of the CAP Mid-Term review filter through in the next 2-3 years.

3. Animal Welfare

The Control of Dogs Act, The Control of Horses Act and Sheep Scab orders (Diseases of Animals Act) are the main pieces of welfare legislation under Sligo County Council responsibility.

4. Control of Dogs

Following the passing of the Control of Dogs Act in 1986 Sligo and Leitrim County Councils entered into an agreement with the ISPCA to provide a Dog Warden service and pound for both Counties. The costs were split on a two to one basis between both Councils.

Leitrim County Council withdrew from this arrangement at the beginning of 2004 as they felt that the service should be based within the County. While this meant that the Dog Warden would be available full time in Sligo the decision has resulted in a substantial increase in the cost of the service to Sligo County Council. With this in mind it was decided to review the operation of the service in the second half of 2004. Expressions of interest were sought to ascertain the options available to the Council. At this point the ISPCA indicated that they would not be making a submission. The organisation is currently reviewing its’ involvement in the implementation of the Control of Dogs Act nationwide and has decided to concentrate its efforts on animal welfare.

Following a review of the submissions Sligo County Council recently agreed to enter into arrangement with the current Dog Warden to take on the running of the service directly. The pound will continue to operate from it’s current location in Drumcliff, Co. Sligo. The warden can be contacted at 071 9163320. Any one wishing to either re-home or surrender a dog should contact this number. Sligo County Council would also encourage dog owners to microchip their pets. This will greatly increase the chances of finding your dog should it stray and can be done by your veterinary surgeon.

5. Dog Licences

All dog owners are reminded of the requirement to have a dog licence. Licences can be purchased from any Post Office and must be renewed annually. This licence costs €12.70. There were 3,100 licences issued in 2004. This represented an increase of approximately 600 on 2003. A reminder system to encourage renewal was also put in place in 2004.

6. Control of Horses

While stray horses are not a major issue in the County there are concerns in certain areas particularly in the Borough and surrounds. With this in mind new byelaws were adopted in 2004, which will make enforcement of the Control of Horses Act easier. These byelaws create control zones in Sligo Borough and in certain other areas of the county. Horses in a control zone require a licence and electronic identification. Where stray horses are impounded it will be up to the owner to demonstrate that proper facilities exist for stabling/grazing the animal. Where this cannot be demonstrated the animals will not be returned. The byelaws contain exemptions for certain classes of horse owner. The aim of these byelaws is to target irresponsible horse owners.

7. Sheep Scab Orders

Sheep scab is an ecto-parasite which can cause serious economic and welfare problems in sheep flocks. The Local Authority Veterinary Inspector is responsible for investigating and dealing with suspect outbreaks. It is still a notifiable disease and where outbreaks are confirmed flocks are restricted until it has been treated. Any suspected sheep scab cases will continue to be investigated as reported. The number of reported cases is low. However it is thought that the prevalence of the disease is higher than reported.

The Local Authority Veterinary Inspector can also provide advice regarding planning developments especially with regard to farm buildings where animal welfare considerations must also be considered. Advice can also be given regarding proposed meat processing premises.



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