Written question asked by Lord Vinson (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 May 2012.

Agriculture: Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 23 April (WA 288-90), whether, in the light of the low incidence rates of scrapie in sheep, they will consider amending the sheep slaughter regulations in a manner similar to the reassessments conducted on associated diseases in cattle.

Answer: Following the introduction in EU law of more proportionate controls for classical scrapie, Defra announced that with effect from 19 October 2011, the option of monitoring flocks and herds affected by classical scrapie, as opposed to killing and destroying genetically susceptible animals, is the default approach for controlling the disease in existing and future cases in England. All issues relating to food safety and to controls on specified risk material are dealt with by the Food Standards Agency, and information can be provided, if required.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16946; 736 c436WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Agriculture: Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy
Monday, 23 April 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Disease control Sheep Scrapie
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk