Written question asked by James Gray (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 March 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 7 March 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, when she was informed (a) of the suspected outbreak of Foot and Mouth on St Agnes Farm at Hounby and (b) that veterinary tests proved negative; and what the average time was between testing and negative result during last year's outbreak. - Includes figures. (Holding answer 4 March 2002).

Answer: Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she was informed (a) of the suspected outbreak of foot and mouth on St. Agnes Farm at Hawnby and (b) that veterinary tests proved negative; and what the average time was between testing and negative result during last year's outbreak. [40308] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 4 March 2002]: I was notified by my officials of the suspected outbreak of foot and mouth disease on St. Agnes Farm, Hawnby at around 5.00 pm on 26 February and was informed at around 7.00 am the following day, 27 February, that initial tests had returned negative results. Results of the final set of tests were received on 3 March. During last year's outbreak, results from initial tests on epithelium were usually returned within 24 hours of receipt. Results from the completion of final virology and serology tests usually took up to four days, although it was not uncommon for a longer period to pass in some circumstances.

Secondary information