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Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what dates since 30 September 2001 (a) tests have been carried out for foot and mouth disease, (b) the diagnosis of those tests has been received and (c) those animals tested and found to be dangerous contacts have been slaughtered. [38659] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 7 March 2002]: Since 30 September, and before, samples have been taken from premises to investigate the presence of foot and mouth virus on a daily basis. Sample types may include the following material; epithelium from the feet and mouth, blood and probang samples. Results from initial tests on epithelium are usually returned within 24 hours of receipt. Results from the completion of final virology and serology tests, if negative, usually take up to four days, sometimes longer. There have been 18 cases (farm premises) since 30 September where foot and mouth antibodies have been detected in animals and these animals were slaughtered as dangerous contacts on the dates set out as follows: All of these cases were thoroughly investigated and no evidence of foot and mouth virus was found. 13 October 2001: 1 case 17 October 2001: 1 case 24 October 2001: 1 case 26 October 2001: 1 case 27 October 2001: 1 case 31 October 2001: 1 case 10 November 2001: 3 cases 13 November 2001: 1 case 20 November 2001: 1 case 27 November 2001: 2 cases 10 December 2001: 1 case 22 December 2001: 1 case 9 January 2002: 1 case 24 January 2002: 1 case 22 February 2002: 1 case.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

38659; 381 c482W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Diagnosis Disease control Foot and mouth disease Livestock Testing

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

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