§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what actions her Department and the Bourne Group have undertaken to investigate the incidence of bovine TB in those areas which have been restocked with cattle since the culling and movement restriction policy following the foot and mouth outbreak last year. [77388]
§ Mr. MorleyDefra has commissioned an extensive research project with Warwick University to study the transmission of bovine TB in restocked herds. The first part of this project investigates the incidence of bovine TB in herds in the badger culling trial areas which have been restocked since the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, compared with herds in the same areas which were unaffected by FMD. The second part of the project is a case control study of restocked herds in all parts of Great Britain which become infected with bovine TB within two years of restocking.
§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the timetable is for the implementation of the amended TB Order. [77391]
§ Mr. MorleyThe original public consultation on the amended TB Order was interrupted by the foot and mouth disease outbreak. Additional policy considerations have come to light since the initial exercise was carried out and a further consultation on the amended TB Order is planned for the first half of next year. A timetable for implementation of the Order will be drawn up following consultation.