Residents of West Limerick, especially those in Abbeyfeale, Athéa, Mountcolline, and Tournafulla, are expressing their greatest indignation over the recent adoption of a new order by the Limerick County Council. The order, promulgated by the Agricultural Board, imposes restrictions under the Contagious Diseases Act for the Prevention of White Scour or Lung Disease in Calves within the county. However, this decision has sparked uproar due to its resemblance to the disastrous Swine Fever Order, which had negatively impacted pig raisers in the western part of the county.
The Swine Fever Order, while successful in nearly eradicating the disease from West Limerick and North Kerry, resulted in a significant decline in pig populations, leading to scarcity and financial losses for local farmers. Consequently, many in the region are now voicing objections to any measure that could potentially be as detrimental as the disease itself. They argue that practical experience holds more value than mere guidelines, and those who have suffered financially from adverse conditions have a natural inclination to call for reform.
Among the dissenting voices are calf dealers who have regularly attended the Abbeyfeale calf market for the past three decades, purchasing approximately 20,000 calves each year throughout the season. Strikingly, these dealers have never complained about the existence of any of the diseases outlined in the current order. This raises concerns that the new restrictions may disproportionately affect smaller-scale farmers residing in the aforementioned districts.
The majority of farmers in these regions have relatively small holdings, and their livelihoods heavily rely on the sale of calves to pay for rent and other domestic expenses. Any interference with their freedom to sell their calves could be financially crippling and is bound to be met with fierce resistance through legitimate means.
The strict application of this order could potentially devastate the Abbeyfeale calf market, where farmers within a 20-mile radius rely on selling their calves. The complex and burdensome administrative requirements associated with the order could drive away dealers and force them to seek alternative markets without such cumbersome regulations.
While it’s understood that disease prevention is essential for the wellbeing of livestock and the agricultural industry, the farmers of West Limerick fear that this specific order may not be the best solution. They worry that its implementation would have severe repercussions on their livelihoods and the local calf market’s viability. If similar measures were to be applied nationwide, there would likely be less resistance, but the impact on regions with significant cattle markets, like Abbeyfeale, should be carefully considered.
In conclusion, the farmers of West Limerick stand united in their opposition to the recent cattle disease prevention order, emphasizing the need for practical and effective measures that do not jeopardize their economic stability and way of life. They urge authorities to carefully reconsider the implementation of the order and consult with the farming community to find a balanced and workable solution.
Kerry News – Wednesday 01 March 1905
