§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has of the prevalence of grass staggers; what assistance can be given by the Department's veterinary service in corn-batting this condition; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangGrass staggers or hypomagnesaemia is not notifiable and the
330Wports for the first quarter of 1974 and 1975 from non-EEC countries, indicating the country of origin, and giving comparable figures for member countries of the EEC.
§ Mr. BishopUnited Kingdom imports of frozen fish from non-ECC countries during the first three months of 1974 and 1975 were as follows:
Ministry has no precise details of its prevalence. The disease is most common in spring when cattle are first turned out to grass and this spring it appears to be particularly prevalent in the western half of the country. The condition is well known and requires rapid veterinary treatment of affected animals. Prevention is important and can be achieved by the incorporation of magnesium supplements either in diets or as a dressing on pasture. A Ministry advisory leaflet —AL 499—is available and the subject is featured in Ministry-sponsored publicity and demonstrations.