Mr. Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the Llanrug district of Caernarvonshire; its causes and extent so far; and the measures taken to control and end the epidemic.
Mr. AmoryThe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the Llanrug district of Caernarvonshire was first confirmed in pigs on 7th October. There is some evidence that the disease had by then been present in the animals for several days. Early local spread was rapid and unavoidable. The source of infection of the original outbreak is thought to have been raw bones from imported meat.
The disease spread south-east towards Llanberis, and up to 30th October 39 secondary outbreaks had been confirmed within the general area. The full range of operations including the slaughter of susceptible animals on contiguous premises was put into effect at once, and 114W particular efforts were made to protect mountain sheep, which I am glad to say seem to be unaffected so far. While I am hopeful that there will be no further spread, it is too early to come to any firm conclusions.
I would like to place on record my appreciation of the co-operation my officers have received from the farming community and the police in the affected area.