Thank you very much. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the Division of Veterinary Services of the Ministry that as matters presently stand, the importation of Punganur dwarf cattle from India to Mauritius cannot be envisaged. The implications associated with any potential importation of the cattle include, inter alia – (i) The risk of introduction and spread of the foot and mouth disease, and other transboundary animal diseases in Mauritius; (ii) The possible loss or suspension of the country's sanitary status in respect of international animal health standards; (iii) Increased veterinary surveillance, quarantine and biosecurity requirements; (iv) Additional financial and operational implication for disease prevention, monitoring and contingency preparedness; (v) Potential adverse repercussion on the local livestock sector and related economic activities. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am further informed that the Punganur dwarf cow is an indigenous and endangered cattle breeding originating mainly from Andhra Pradesh in India. It is recognised as one of the world's smallest hump cattle breeds with a height of approximately 70 to 90 cm, weighing between 115 to 200 kg. The resilient and docile cattle is known for producing milk with high butterfat content of around 8%, making it suitable for small scale dairy farming systems. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, all imported live animals, products of animal origin for human and non-human consumption are subject to stringent sanitary, veterinary and biosecurity requirements and should be accompanied by import permit delivered by the Department of Veterinary Services as stipulated in the Animal Diseases Act of 1925 and Regulations. The import permit is designed to protect the country against sanitary threat in line with sanitary and phytosanitary measures of the World Trade Organisation, which lay down all animal health and veterinary public health conditions to be complied with and certified by the official veterinary authority of exporting country. It is to be noted that the Attorney General's Office is currently drafting the Animal Health, Veterinary Public Health and Livestock Production bill. The main objective of the draft bill is to promote and protect animal health and veterinary public health. The Animal Diseases Act of 1925 will thereafter be repealed. It is important to highlight that India is not recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health as a country free from foot and mouth disease. Nevertheless, it is in the process of creating a foot and mouth disease free zone and compartment as per guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health. Mr Deputy Speaker, in view of the prevailing animal health situation in India with regard to foot and mouth disease and taking into consideration the need to safeguard the sanitary status of Mauritius, we might as well opt for precautionary approach and we hope that this will be maintained and we will see how things evolve.

The hon. Fourth Member for Rodrigues! RODRIGUES – FISHERMEN – NATIONAL PENSION FUND – CONTRIBUTIONS