Written question asked by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 6 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 May 2004. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Thursday, 20 May 2004 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, whether her Department has undertaken a cost and benefit analysis of the use of the Bovigam gamma interferon test.

Answer: Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department has undertaken a cost and benefit analysis of the use of the Bovigam gamma interferon test. [172568] Mr. Bradshaw: No large-scale validation of the gamma interferon (g-IFN) test has been carried out in GB. Although the g-IFN test is now used in several countries, experimental data is lacking on the cost- effectiveness of using g-IFN in infected herds in conjunction with the single intradermal comparative cervical test . Desk studies have estimated that significant savings will need to accrue from the use of the g-IFN before it becomes cost-effective in GB. The on- going field trial sponsored by Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government in Wales and the Midlands aims to resolve this question.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 172568; 421 c1107W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Cattle Cost benefit analysis Disease control Testing Bovine tuberculosis
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk