§ David MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average valuation price was per bovine in each week of the current foot and mouth epidemic. [790]
§ Mr. MorleyThe information is not yet available in the form requested. The Department is currently preparing a database of detailed information on livestock valuations and I will right to the right hon. Member when I am able to provide the information.
§ David MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many foreign vets, from which countries, have assisted the UK during the foot and mouth epidemic; and how many left the UK before receiving payment. [791]
190W
§ Mr. MorleyForeign veterinary assistance has been provided in two ways. Governments have loaned state veterinarians to the Department. Terms and conditions were agreed with the relevant authorities in each country prior to the vets travelling to GB. Their salaries continue to be paid by the authorities in their own country.
Other foreign vets have also been appointed as Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs). TVIs are paid a daily rate which is claimed retrospectively. The necessary details to allow payment of money due is requested at the time of appointment. Information concerning the timing of payments to individuals in relation to their date of departure from GB is not recorded.
To date 463 veterinarians from the following countries have provided assistance during the FMD outbreak:
- Australia
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Cuba
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- USA.
The number of foreign TVIs appointed is currently 375 and they come from one of the following countries:
191W
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- Czech
- Republic
- Denmark
- Egypt
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Portugal
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Zimbabwe.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many premises in Worcestershire were at any stage considered to be infected with foot and mouth disease; and of these, how many have subsequently been cleared following negative laboratory tests. [41]
§ Mr. MorleyInformation is available only for Hereford and Worcester. As of 26 June there were 66 Infected Premises (IPs). Of these, 43 were tested, of which 30 returned negative results. There were 17 slaughter-on-suspicion cases. Of these 16 were tested, all returned negative results.
An Infected Premises is one where foot and mouth disease has either been diagnosed by a vet on the farm, supported by convincing clinical evidence, or where disease is found after testing. However, a negative laboratory result does not necessarily mean that the disease was not present and does not change the status of an Infected Premises.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps were taken to inform veterinary surgeons of discrepancies between clinical diagnosis of foot and mouth disease on farms and subsequent laboratory tests; on how many occasions such discrepancies occurred; and if she will make a statement. [47]
§ Mr. MorleyAlmost all cases of foot and mouth disease during the current outbreak have been confirmed on clinical grounds. Although laboratory results are being monitored, it is important to remember that a negative laboratory test does not necessarily mean that the disease does not exist within the flock or herd. Guidance has been issued to staff to assist with clinical diagnosis, including advice on diseases or conditions which might involve symptoms similar to foot and mouth disease, particularly in sheep.