§ 25. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the present arrangements for containing the spread of Marek's disease amongst poultry; what was the incidence of the disease in 1966, 1967 and 1968; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MackieMarek's disease is not notifiable and no precise information is available as to its incidence. High standards of hygiene by individual producers and the segregation of young birds from older stock remain the most effective means of control.
§ Mr. EadieWould my hon. Friend confirm that this disease is practically unknown in Scotland, and would he also not agree that some people consider that the so-called modern methods of egg production may bring the disease where it has not previously existed?
§ Mr. MackieI did not quite hear my hon. Friend. Did he say that the disease is comparatively unknown in Scotland?
§ Mr. MackieOh, no. Marek's disease is the old fowl paralysis, and I am afraid I had experience of it way back in the 'thirties. It is anything but unknown. As far as we can find out, there is simply no indication that intensive poultry keeping is having the effect of increasing the incidence of this disease.