Written question asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 November 2005.

Wild Birds

Question: How many quarantine facilities in England deal with wild bird imports; how many Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs inspectors there are; and how often inspections of quarantine facilities are made.

Answer: There are 83 quarantine facilities that deal with such imports.The State Veterinary Service is responsible for inspecting. such premises on behalf of Defra. The State Veterinary Service directly employs over 500 veterinary and animal health inspectors. In addition, a substantial number of vets in private practice are also appointed as inspectors to carry out this work on behalf of the Government.Quarantine premises are inspected prior to approval, on arrival of new quarantine consignments, during quarantine periods and prior to release of consignments. In addition, visits will also be made when unexpected illnesses or deaths occur. Ad hoc visits to quarantine premises are also made by government veterinary staff.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1923; 675 c87-8WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Animal Welfare: Wild Birds
Monday, 27 November 2006
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Birds Inspections Imports Staff Quarantine State Veterinary Service
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk