43. Mrs. Whiteasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken to deal with fowl typhoid, which is causing losses to farmers in Wales and certain other parts of the country.
Mr. AmoryMy veterinary officers have been carrying out an investigation into this disease to obtain more information about its behaviour and control and to study the possibility of using a vaccine. So far, vaccination has given disappointing results but encouraging progress has been made with a drug which can be added to the food. Further trials are in progress. Research into other methods of controlling the disease is being conducted at my Department's veterinary laboratories.
Mrs. WhiteIs the Minister aware that this disease is spreading very rapidly indeed in parts of Flintshire and adjacent areas of Cheshire and Shropshire and that more than 16,000 birds were affected in one district in Fintshire alone last year? Will he make it a notifiable disease, because if that is not done, there is no control on the movement of diseased birds?
Mr. AmoryI will certainly take into consideration what the hon. Lady says, but there are difficulties in making it a notifiable disease, because the symptoms, I am advised, are extremely difficult to recognise. However, I am anxious about the situation, and I will do everything I can to assist.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportI am afraid that I did not hear the supplementary question. Is fowl pest a notifiable disease, and, if not, will the Minister so make it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportI beg my right hon. Friend's pardon. I am sorry, I meant fowl typhoid.