Written question asked by David Madel (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 April 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (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 he will make arrangements for the release of foot and mouth vaccine to zoos that include endangered species that are susceptible to foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement. (Holding answer 9 April 2001).

Answer: Sir David Madel: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make arrangements for the release of foot and mouth vaccine to zoos that include endangered species that are susceptible to foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement. [157520] Ms Quin: [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The Standing Veterinary Committee of the European Commission recently authorised member states to vaccinate endangered species but only in very restricted circumstances. Any decision to vaccinate could be made only after the zoo had put in place a wide range of biosecurity measures including, if necessary, closure of the whole or part of the zoo. We are currently considering whether to pursue this option.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 157520; 367 c496W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Disease control Foot and mouth disease EU action Nature conservation Vaccination Zoos
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk