Foot-and-Mouth Disease

HC Deb 06 February 1961 vol 634 cc13-5

17. Sir A. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom during the past twelve months have been attributed to infection brought here in meat from South America, and to what extent to other causes, sudh as birds migrating from the Continent.

Mr. Soames

Of the twenty-six primary outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease which occurred during the past twelve months, thirteen were attributed to infection from meat imported from South America and one to an escape of virus from the Research Institute at Pirbright. The other twelve outbreaks were classified as obscure. It is, of course, rarely possible to attribute an outbreak definitely to birds although we think it likely that they do cause some of the outbreaks.

Sir A. Hurd

Does my right hon. Friend agree that these South American meat imports are still showing far too frequently to be the cause of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease here? Following the action that he has taken on the banning of frozen pig imports from South America into this country, are there any further particular measures that he feels he can take to try to save us from this constant threat?

Mr. Soames

The next Question on the Order Paper in the name of my hon. Friend asks what action has been taken within the Argentine on this. The banning of pork is also mentioned in the next Question. As regards beef, the balance of advantage lies in continuing these imports which constitute about 17 per cent. of our beef supplies and are of good quality meat which we could not at present replace from other sources

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

While I agree that it is necessary to do all that is possible to keep disease, and this disease in particular, out of this country, may I ask whether the Minister is satisfied that everything is being done in the countries concerned—Argentine in the case he mentioned just now—by his own Ministry if necessary, to sort out the sources of infection, and to sort out infected beasts from those which are not, so as not to prevent those not infected from coming in?

Mr. Soames

We have very detailed arrangements in the Argentine where frigorificos are concerned. If foot-and-mouth disease is found in a single animal, no meat is exported from that particular troop of cattle. This agreement is loyally observed by the Governments concerned, and my Department has three veterinary officers in Buenos Aires who advise and assist the South American Government in carrying out the agreement.

18. Sir A. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the ban on the importation of frozen pig products suspected of bringing foot-and-mouth disease to this country has now been imposed; and if the cattle vaccination measures recently proposed by the Argentine authorities to control the disease and reduce the risk of infection being transmitted in beef products are now being put into effect.

Mr. Soames

A prohibition on imports of fresh and refrigerated pork and edible pork offal from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay came into operation on 1st February.

On the second part of the Question, I understand that, from 1st January, 1961, the movement of all unvaccinated cattle has been prohibited throughout Argentina. The only exception to this is Patagonia, which is said to be free from foot-and-mouth disease. In the designated eradication zones cattle will be required to be regularly vaccinated after appointed dates.

Sir A. Hurd

This sounds all very satisfactory. Shall we know whether these undertakings are being carried out effectively? Has the Minister any means of checking what is happening, because, as I think he will agree, we have had promises and undertakings from the Argentine before, ever since the Bledisloe Agreement, and we still get a lot of trouble from South America from frozen and chilled meat imported here? Can we keep a close check on what is being imported, and will my right hon. Friend give every possible help in making these measures fully effective?

Mr. Soames

I think that my hon. Friend will agree that the measures I have outlined are, on paper, a considerable step forward. They have been going for only about a month and I have not yet had information from our people, but I have asked them to send me a report as soon as possible about the progress that is being made.