Written question asked by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 June 1997. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 June 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: What is the comparative effectiveness of eliminating BSE in cattle of (a) the 30 month scheme and (b) the selective cull. - (Holding answer 10 June 1997).

Answer: Mr. Campbell-Savours: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the comparative effectiveness of eliminating BSE in cattle of (a) the 30 month scheme and (b) the selective cull. [2800] Mr. Rooker: [holding answer given on 10 June 1997]: The Over Thirty Months Scheme (OTMS) is a measure to protect public health, not to eliminate BSE. On the other hand, the selective cull is aimed at reducing the number of cases of BSE by culling cattle which as young calves may have been exposed to the same feed as animals that have already succumbed to BSE. We estimate that the selective cull might prevent a maximum of 1,500 confirmed cases of BSE up to the end of 1999. The OTMS might prevent between one third and a half of that number, although the number of animals slaughtered under OTMS is many times greater than under the selective cull.

Secondary information