Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 5 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 December 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 12 December 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what research her Department has carried out concerning whether the Yersinia organism can affect the blood test for Brucellosis in cattle; and if she will make a statement. - (Holding answer 11 December 2002).

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has carried out concerning whether the Yersinia organism can affect the blood test for Brucellosis in cattle; and if she will make a statement. [86247] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 11 December 2002]: Exposure to Yersinia enterocolitica in some cattle is known to cause cross reaction to serological tests for exposure to Brucella abortus. DEFRA is currently funding a brucellosis research programme which is being carried out by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) at Weybridge. This research includes a project to differentiate between serological cross reactions and other reactors identified in the surveillance of brucellosis in cattle.

Secondary information