§ 58. Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Health what is the number of human cases of undulant fever arising in Great Britain attributable to bovine infection through milk or meat in each of the past 372 10 years; and what measures he has taken to reduce the risk of human infection by the group of Brucella organisms?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)Undulant fever is not a generally notifiable disease, and statistics of its incidence are therefore not available. Estimates have, however, been made by responsible investigators that there may be some 400 or 500 cases per annum in this country. The importance of all measures to ensure the cleanliness and safety of milk in order to avoid risk from this and other milk-borne diseases has frequently been emphasised by my Department. Considerable progress in this matter has been made. I have no information to suggest that meat is a source of human infection with this disease.
§ Mr. LiddallIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that apart from persons who, by reason of their occupation, are exposed to special risks, there is really no need at all for anyone to have this undulant fever?