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Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Answer

Mr. Campbell-Savours: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions he has reached following the consultations on proposals to protect rare breeds and hefted sheep; and if he will make a statement. [160778] Mr. Morley: On 19 April, proposals concerning the exemption of rare breeds and hefted sheep from the contiguous and 3 km cull were published and views sought. The vast majority of respondents to this exercise welcomed the proposals. Arrangements for exempting rare breeds of sheep and goats, and other pedigree sheep and goats of high genetic value, and genuinely hefted sheep, such as Herdwicks and Swaledales, from contiguous and 3 km culls have now been introduced and guidance issued. The guidance explains what information needs to be submitted to gain exemption. I am placing a copy of this guidance in the Library of the House. These arrangements allow for owners of sheep or goats--who think their stock may qualify and are notified it is to be slaughtered as part of a contiguous or 3 km cull--to apply for exemption from their local divisional veterinary manager (DVM). Owners need to show that the animals can be isolated from other susceptible livestock, and managed in compliance with tight biosecurity. Before registration as an exempted flock/herd, the DVM will arrange for blood samples to be taken for testing. The results for these blood tests must be negative for registration to be granted; positive blood tests will result in the flock/herd being slaughtered.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

368 c135-6W;368 c136W; 160778

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Conservation Exemptions Disease control Foot and mouth disease Goats Sheep

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk