Written question asked by Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 19 November 2007.

Agriculture: Foot and Mouth Disease

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What progress is being made on the development of an on-the-spot diagnostic test for foot-and-mouth disease.

Answer: Research into on-farm diagnostic tests for foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus is ongoing. Defra is a major sponsor of this research, which is investigating a number of test methods. The research is being conducted in collaboration with commercial companies which are capable of developing the technologies in a miniaturised form that is portable and reliable in the field, as well as producing the complex equipment required at an affordable cost. This equipment must also be robust and able to be disinfected when moved from farm to farm. Progress in this area is being made, but more research is needed in relation to safety, appropriate cost, and the ability to diagnose all strains of the FMD virus. The opportunity has been taken, during the recent FMD outbreak, to contribute to the validation of the lateral flow device; one of the potential on-farm diagnostic methods currently being developed.

Secondary information