Written question asked by James Paice (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 April 2001. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 30 April 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, if vaccinations for foot and mouth of (a) exotic animals and (b) rare breeds of domestic animals which are not intended for export would compromise disease-free status. - (Holding ans 2 April 2001).

Answer: Mr. Paice: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if vaccinations for foot and mouth of (a) exotic animals and (b) rare breeds of domestic animals which are not intended for export would compromise disease-free status. [156652] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 2 April 2001]: The European Commission have agreed that each member state may resort to emergency vaccination of susceptible species in zoos with endangered species listed on the red list laid down by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The vaccination of any susceptible animal, even where limited to special categories of animals not primarily concerned with trade, would usually affect an EU member state's foot and mouth status. This leaves unresolved the question of the UK regaining foot and mouth disease free status if the Government decide to proceed with the vaccination of particular categories of animals. It is unlikely however such special cases would present a serious problem to the resumption of trade.

Secondary information