Written question asked by Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 26 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 March 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 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, if she will list the criteria for a confirmation of foot and mouth disease; and whether the criteria for identifying an infected premises have changed since the last case in the UK. - (Holding answer 1 March 2002).

Answer: Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the criteria for a confirmation of foot and mouth disease; and whether the criteria for identifying an infected premises have changed since the last case in the UK. [39510] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 1 March 2002]: During last year's outbreak, diagnosis of foot and mouth disease (FMD) was normally confirmed by the National Disease Control Centre on the basis of clinical observations of a veterinary inspector on the spot. Some cases were confirmed on the basis of laboratory tests which confirmed the presence of FMD antibodies or virus. It is nearly five months since the last outbreak of foot and mouth and confirmation of any future case would need to be based on laboratory tests that confirm the presence of the virus.

Secondary information