HC Deb 24 July 1989 vol 157 cc525-6W
Mr. Martin Jones

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of anthrax have been recorded in the last 12 months.

Mr. Donald Thompson

In the past 12 months there have been three outbreaks of anthrax in Great Britain involving a total of 19 animals.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a product licence was granted for anthrax vaccine; if it is still valid; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

A product licence for an anthrax vaccine was issued on 21 November 1972; it expired on 31 August 1988, when the company concerned did not seek to renew it.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under what statutory authority anthrax vaccine being produced at his Department's central veterinary laboratory is to be used; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The use of this vaccine would be subject to the terms of an animal test certificate or a product licence issued under the Medicines Act 1968, and to the agreement of the farmer concerned.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for South Shields of 18 July on monitoring procedures for anthrax, how he identifies suspect and non-suspect animals under the Anthrax Order 1938; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The Anthrax Order 1938 requires anyone who suspects the presence of anthrax in a carcase or live animal to notify that fact to the Ministry. If, after initial veterinary investigation, anthrax cannot be ruled out, the carcase is destroyed and blood or tissue samples are sent to the central veterinary laboratory for final diagnosis.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for South Shields of 18 July, whether the anthrax vaccine to be manufactured at his central veterinary laboratory is an autogenous one; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The vaccine is not autogenous.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further action has been taken by his Department with regard to the outbreak of anthrax in Wales.

Mr. Peter Walker

I have been asked to reply.

The producer has accepted my offer of compensation for the slaughter of the whole herd.