§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations she has had about the safety of the use of organo-phosphorus based products to treat warble fly infections; and if she will make a statement.
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§ Mr. SoamesI have received a small number of representations about the safety of use of organo-phosphorus—OP—products to treat warble fly infections, and I understand that some farmers are reluctant to treat their animals using these products. Provided the label instructions are carefully followed, the use of such warblecides poses no hazard to human health. If, however, anyone is in doubt as to how the product should be used, they should seek expert advice from their veterinary surgeon or the manufacturer. OP products should not be used for this purpose between 30 November and 15 March.
Farmers who have cattle which may have been exposed to warble fly infestation, including those within the 3 km treatment zones of known affected premises, may choose to have blood samples from their cattle tested for signs of infestation. Anyone wishing to pursue this possibility should contact his local divisional veterinary officer for details of the arrangements. Where results are negative, treatment of cattle will not be required.