§ Mr. RuffleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many samples of imported meat have been tested for classical swine fever virus by Government scientists since July. [138412]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 14 November 2000]: Meat which is legally imported must be accompanied by veterinary certificates giving assurances about the health status of the animals from which it came. It is not routinely tested for specific diseases such as classical swine fever virus. In connection with the recent outbreaks in East Anglia, epidemiological studies revealed that the strain was an Asian one. Work was then carried out to establish in which countries it had previously been reported. From 18 September, the Government have been conducting tests on any meat imported from those countries. Since none of the countries concerned is approved to export meat to the European Community the tests are carried out only when illegally imported meat is identified. To date two such tests have been conducted, each of which gave a negative result.