Possibility of testing deer for TB

THE possibility of having sample tests carried out on deer in an effort to ascertain if they contribute to the spread of tuberculosis in the cattle herd was raised in the Dáil.

Fine Gael TD Paul Connaughton asked Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan if she will carry out such a procedure.

Ms Coughlan said issues relating to wild deer are the responsibility of the Parks and Wildlife Divisions of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.