Written question asked by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 30 November 2001. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Friday, 30 November 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 changes her Department is proposing on animal movement restrictions for those herds subject to 12 month test intervals for tuberculosis; and what (a) economic and (b) animal health and welfare assessments she has made.

Answer: Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes her Department is proposing on animal movement restrictions for those herds subject to 12-month test intervals for tuberculosis; and what (a) economic and (b) animal health and welfare assessments she has made. [19896] Mr. Morley: Veterinary risk assessment suggests that there is an increased risk of spread of bovine TB from herds where the test is overdue and that the risk is greatest in areas with a higher historic incidence of TB. One way to minimise this risk would be to place such herds under movement restrictions until tested clear. This would entail financial losses for some of the farmers affected. Coming so soon after FMD such a decision would not be taken lightly. DEFRA officials are assessing the levels of risk that attach to different types of herd and whether placing some herds under restriction would be proportionate. As part of this exercise officials are discussing proposals with the NFU and other stakeholders. No decision has yet been reached.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 375 c1173W; 19896
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Animal welfare Disease control Economic situation Livestock Transport Testing Bovine tuberculosis
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk