Written question asked by Greg Clark (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 December 2005. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Zoonotic Disease

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has evaluated on the zoonotic disease risks arising from the intensification of (a) meat and (b) dairy production in other countries.

Answer: Defra has not specifically evaluated or commissioned work on the zoonotic disease risks arising from the intensification of meat or dairy production in other countries. However, Defra's veterinary surveillance strategy has the detection of new and emerging animal disease threats as one of its aims.Defra collaborates closely with the Department of Health on zoonotic risks through the National Expert Panel on New and Emerging Infections. This body has within its remit the identification of emerging and potential infectious threats to public health both nationally and internationally.

Secondary information