Written question asked by Lord Glentoran (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 March 2012.

Agriculture: Schmallenberg Virus

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was given early warning of the Schmallenberg virus by the European Commission; and whether British farmers were provided with any assistance in preparing for the virus.

Answer: A team of experts from Defra and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) constantly monitors diseases in the UK and across the world. As a result, we are well informed of the threat of both emerging and spreading diseases. In autumn 2011 there were indications of an unidentified syndrome in the Netherlands causing milk drop, fever and diarrhoea in cattle. Key industry representatives were alerted to the issue and asked to raise awareness and increase vigilance for signs of similar disease in the UK. Once the virus had been characterised as Schmallenberg virus and further cases were emerging in Europe, letters were sent out to key stakeholders and information made widely available through the industry press. Stakeholders across the UK are being kept informed of developments. Defra's and AHVLA's animal diseases web pages are being updated regularly as new information emerges from Europe. Guidance has been provided by the Commission on trade and funding for collaborative research and further advice and information for vets and farmers will also be provided through the AHVLA.

Secondary information