HC Deb 23 April 1953 vol 514 cc1384-5
28. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the outbreak of swine fever in Warwickshire; and what steps he is taking in the matter.

29. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture the extent of the present epidemic of swine fever; what measures are being taken to combat this; and, particularly, whether he advises immunisation with the crystal violet vaccine.

Sir T. Dugdale

There have been 880 outbreaks of swine fever since 1st January, 1953. Of these outbreaks, 534 have occurred in three areas in East Anglia, Yorkshire and the West Midlands, including Warwickshire. The remainder have been fairly widely distributed over England and Wales, and there have been three in Scotland.

I have made an Order which comes into operation on 27th April declaring the three worst-affected areas to be swine fever infected areas. The main effect of this Order is to prohibit the holding of store markets for pigs in the areas. It also controls the movement of pigs into, within, and out of the areas. I strongly recommend the use of crystal violet vaccine, but it must be used before pigs become infected or have had contact with infection. The vaccine does not give complete protection until after a period of 10–14 days, and if used on infected animals may even have harmful results.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister fully aware of the anxiety of Midlands farmers, who hope that he will tackle this disease in the same way as he tackled foot-and-mouth disease last year?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir, but not by the same policy. We hope, by the Order I have just made, that improvements will result. Experience suggests that an infected area Order leads very soon to an improvement.

Mr. Hurd

Can my right hon. Friend say anything about the source of the infection which has spread so widely in recent months, whether supplies of crystal violet vaccine are sufficient, and the price is reasonable?

Sir T. Dugdale

Ample supplies of vaccine are available and the cost is about 2s. for a small pig and 4s. for a large pig. It would be unwise for me to go into technicalities as to whether we really are satisfied that we know where this infection has come from.