§ 20. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if the recent standstill order enabled his veterinary officers to trace all livestock which had been in contact at markets with animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease; if a reliable blood test has been evolved to discover potential carriers of the disease; and if he is satisfied that there will be no further spread of infection from these sources.
§ Sir T. DugdaleAll livestock which may have been in contact with infection at markets from 24th April to 1st May have been traced and examined. I understand that there is no reliable blood test which would enable the disease to be diagnosed in animals showing no symptoms or at an early stage of infection. Normally, there is no need of a blood test, as livestock in Great Britain are so susceptible that the disease very soon becomes evident in animals which are infected. Young calves may occasionally fail to show characteristic symptoms. This did unfortunately happen with the calves which recently caused outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland. I am satisfied that no further spread of infection will arise from the markets held in the period mentioned.
§ Mr. HurdCould not my right hon. and gallant Friend tell us what happens when these contact animals which have been in touch with infection are identified, and the farm is known? Is that farm completely closed and isolated, and are hikers and others prevented from crossing that land, because there is evidence that some further outbreaks have arisen from mechanical means?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThis is a very complicated subject, and I should prefer not to commit myself to the House to answer these difficult questions. Every aspect of the matter is under examination.