Written question asked by Jonathan Sayeed (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 December 2001. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 17 December 2001 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what percentage of blood tests taken from animals slaughtered in efforts to eradicate foot and mouth disease were later confirmed as positive; and if she will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of blood tests taken from animals slaughtered in efforts to eradicate foot and mouth disease were later confirmed as positive; and if she will make a statement. [13888] Mr. Morley: 55 per cent. of tests from animals slaughtered in efforts to eradicate foot and mouth disease were later confirmed as positive. This percentage includes samples taken from animals slaughtered on infected premises, as dangerous contacts, on contiguous premises and as slaughter on suspicion cases. Not all animals slaughtered on infected premises are sampled; confirmation of the disease frequently being based only on clinical examination. Additionally, a negative test result does not necessarily mean that the premises was free from disease. For instance, if the disease is old the virus may not be present in the sample collected, and blood tests from newly infected animals may not give a positive reaction to the laboratory test as antibodies may not yet be present. Source: DEFRA Disease Control System database as at 17.30 4 December 2001. Figures subject to change as more data become available.

Secondary information