§ Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many dogs and cats developed rabies in quarantine in the decade 1956–66; how many of these developed in each month of the six-month period; and whether he will introduce a three-month quarantine period, in view of modem inoculations.
§ Mr. John MackieNo domestic dogs or cats developed rabies while in quarantine in this country in the decade 1956–66, but one tiger cub did.
Modern vaccines are of great value in countries where the disease already exists, but they do not give complete protection and they do not reduce the incubation period, which can be as long as six months. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to reduce the quarantine period below this.