HC Deb 20 October 1988 vol 138 cc1005-6W
44. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the number of cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy to date in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Up to 14 October 1988, 1,193 cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy had been confirmed since the disease was first identified in November 1986.

52. Mr. Patchett

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy have now been notified to his Department.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Since the disease was made notifiable on 21 June, 1,232 suspect cases of BSE have been reported to the Ministry. Because there is no diagnostic test in live animals affected cattle are slaughtered on clinical evidence of infection. Confirmation is dependent on the examination of brain tissue after death; since 21 June, of the 502 animals for which laboratory results have so far been received 454 have been confirmed as having been affected with BSE.