Written question asked by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 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 assessment he has made of the reasons for the spread of foot and mouth disease in Worcestershire; what role contiguous culls have played in inhibiting the spread of the disease in the county; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Luff: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the reasons for the spread of foot and mouth disease in Worcestershire; what role contiguous culls have played in inhibiting the spread of the disease in the county; and if he will make a statement. [158477] Ms Quin: As in other parts of the country the epidemiology of the outbreaks in Worcester are complex and multifactoral. However, as elsewhere, introduction and subsequent dissemination relates to sheep movement and sheep husbandry practices. Detailed epidemiological studies of individual cases are still being pursued with a view to ensuring that origin and spread is correctly identified. These studies will also take into account the efficiency of the contiguous culls, both nationally and in Worcestershire.

Secondary information