Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 July 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 4 July 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 assessment she has made of the possibility of bovine TB being transferred to humans; and if she will make a statement. - (Holding answer 2 July 2002).

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the possibility of bovine TB being transferred to humans; and if she will make a statement. [66511] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 2 July 2002]: There are estimated to be about 40-50 cases of Mycobacterium bovis (bovine TB) in humans each year in Great Britain. Most of these cases are either contracted abroad or result from the reactivation of M. bovis acquired in the past. Public health safeguards have been in existence for many years to minimise the risk of people being exposed to bovine TB through meat, milk or dairy products. It is possible that some cases of bovine TB may have occurred in people who have a close association with infected animals. The HSE has published guidance for farm workers on minimising the risk of infection. Regular meetings are held between Government Departments to monitor the potential for bovine TB to infect humans through the UK food chain and other zoonotic routes.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 66511; 388 c589W;388 c590W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Cattle Disease control Research Tuberculosis Bovine tuberculosis People
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk