§ 80. Mr. Kimballasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the serious outbreak of rabies on the Continent, he will review the need for quarantine regulations covering the importation of all domestic animals.
§ Mr. John MackieOur import quarantine regulations are kept under constant review in the light of a number of factors, including the incidence of rabies in Europe and elsewhere. We will, of course, continue to ensure that proper safeguards are maintained against the introduction of this disease into Great Britain.
§ 81. Mr Kimballasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what study he has made of the report from the United States Public Health Service showing that skunks, foxes, bats, racoons, bobcats, mongooses, squirrels, opossums, coyotes, woodchucks, mice, ground hogs, wolves, rats, guinea pigs, fishers, ringtail cats and mink are imported carriers of rabies, a copy of which has been sent 105W to him; and if he will amend the quarantine regulations for the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. John MackieWe are aware of the report referred to, and are currently considering the possibility of extending our quarantine regulations to include species other than canines and felines which might introduce rabies into this country.
§ Mr. Kimballasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has received that domestic animals, including dogs, cats, cattle, horses and mules, swine, goats and sheep are carriers of rabies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MackieRabies has been recorded in a number of countries in domestic animals but of these it is only dogs and cats that involve any significant risk of introducing the disease. We have no evidence to suggest that farm animals have been responsible for transmitting rabies.