Written question asked by Lord Cotter (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 4 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 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 estimate he has made of the percentage of animals susceptible to foot and mouth disease that have natural immunity to it.

Answer: Mr. Cotter: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the percentage of animals susceptible to foot and mouth disease that have natural immunity to it. [157630] Ms Quin: Immunity to foot and mouth disease is acquired by exposure to the virus or by vaccination. As there has not been a case of foot and mouth disease in Great Britain since 1981, and we do not permit routine vaccination, all susceptible livestock are assumed to be susceptible to foot and mouth disease virus. During the current outbreak, it is possible that there may be livestock, particularly sheep, which have been exposed to infection but have not exhibited clinical symptoms. These animals may have acquired some degree of immunity. There is also a possibility that such animals may become carriers of the virus. The number of these animals is unknown, but may be disclosed when animals are blood sampled as part of our sero-surveillance strategy.

Secondary information