Written question asked by Patrick Nicholls (Conservative) on Monday, 9 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Thursday, 10 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 his assessment is of the reasons for which the confirmed cases of foot and mouth are disproportionately concentrated in Dumfries and Galloway, Cumbria and Devon; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 23 April 2001).

Answer: Mr. Nicholls: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his assessment is of the reasons for which the confirmed cases of foot and mouth are disproportionately concentrated in Dumfries and Galloway, Cumbria and Devon; and if he will make a statement. [158253] Ms Quin: [holding answer 23 April 2001]: The high concentration of cases in these areas is almost certainly attributable to the movements of sheep in the period before the infection at the farm at Heddon-on-the-Wall was confirmed on 23 February and livestock movements in Great Britain were banned on the same day. These areas are among the most highly stocked in the country and all received sheep from Longtown market during that period.

Secondary information