§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of enzootic bovine leukosis have occurred; how many infected cattle have been identified in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement on the future of the cattle health scheme in respect of enzootic bone leukosis.
§ Mrs. BrowningThe number of confirmed cases of enzootic bovine leukosis, and the number of cattle involved, over the past five years is as follows:
313W
Year Cases Number of cattle 1990 0 0 1991 3 4 1992 1 4 1993 25 63 1994 9 26 More cases were identified during 1993 and 1994 because a national testing programme has been under way during this period.
A management review of the Ministry's animal health and veterinary group considered that the voluntary livestock health schemes, with the exception of the poultry scheme, were not central to MAFF's activities and that the Ministry should withdraw from them, leaving other bodies to take them on if desired. We issued a consultation document on 24 October 1994 indicating that we recognised the force of this argument and were minded to withdraw from or transfer responsibility for some of the schemes.
A considerable number of responses have been received from industry and professional organisations on the future of all of the schemes and these are currently being considered. An announcement will be made in due course.