Written question asked by Ian Gibson (Labour) on Thursday, 27 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 July 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 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 recent changes have been made to the European Union's policy on vaccination-to-live relating to foot and mouth; and what research she has recently commissioned on tests to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals. - (Holding answer 2 July 2002).

Answer: Dr. Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent changes have been made to the European Union's policy on vaccination-to-live relating to foot and mouth; and what research she has recently commissioned on tests to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals. [66149] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 2 July 2002]: No recent changes have been made to the European Union's policy on vaccination in relation to foot and mouth disease. DEFRA are currently in the process of approving a project to develop a test using non-structural proteins to distinguish between vaccinated and infected animals, and are examining its feasibility for use on a herd basis to detect exposed animals. Following on from this, a study will be undertaken to examine what would be an appropriate sampling regime to detect infection in vaccinated herds exposed to infection. However, at present, the test is not internationally recognised as a validated test.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 66149; 388 c384W;388 c382W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Disease control Foot and mouth disease EU action Livestock Testing Vaccination
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk