Written question asked by Richard Body (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 April 2000. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 April 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what his policy is on the compulsory testing of cattle for BSE.

Answer: Sir Richard Body: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy is on the compulsory testing of cattle for BSE. [118319] Ms Quin: There is no validated test for the detection of BSE in live cattle. Nor is there a validated post-mortem test for the detection of sub-clinical infection. Until such tests are available compulsory testing of cattle will be restricted to the testing of cattle notified to the Department in accordance with the BSE (No. 2) Order 1996. From 1 January 2001 the UK will commence testing of approximately 7,000 cattle per year after death in compliance with recently agreed Commission proposals on epidemio-surveillance.

Secondary information