Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Tuesday, 31 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 February 2006. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Thursday, 9 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Bovine TB

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under what legislation the Department has the authority to block a second bovine tuberculosis test for a calf that tested positive to the initial tuberculin skin test when the owner is willing to pay for the test.

Answer: [holding answer 6 February 2006]: The current skin test for bovine tuberculosis (TB) is an effective test. It is the accepted standard laid down in both national and international legislation for determining the existence of disease in a cattle herd.The Tuberculosis (England and Wales) Order 1984 requires cattle failing the tuberculin test, and those considered to have been direct contacts exposed to TB, to be compulsorily slaughtered. There is no provision for a second TB test nor is there a mechanism for appeals.In the case of statutory tuberculin testing of cattle, any request to release tuberculin for a further private test will always be declined by the Department. Approval for private tests is generally granted in the context of a test for purchaser assurance, or as a condition for cattle export in herds not subjected to tuberculosis restrictions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 48713; 442 c1348W;442 c1348W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Bovine Tuberculosis
Wednesday, 22 March 2006
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Disease control Testing Bovine tuberculosis
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk