§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what requirement there is on veterinary investigation centres to examine the carcases of domestic cats for the presence of TB when submitted by private veterinary surgeons. [158334]
§ Mr. BradshawCarcases of any domestic cats submitted to VLA Regional Laboratories are examined for TB as part of the standard post-mortem protocols. If TB is suspected by the submitting veterinarian or if characteristic lesions of TB are found in the course of the post-mortem examination at VLA, appropriate samples will be taken for histological and bacteriological tests to confirm the presence of "Mycobacterium bovis". Confirmatory TB tests are carried out free of charge to the submitting veterinarian.
§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to make TB in domestic cats a notifiable disease. [158341]
§ Mr. BradshawAs set out in the consultation document launched by the Department last 9 February, we are proposing an amendment to the Tuberculosis832W (England and Wales) Order 1984, which will make the isolation of "M. bovis" notifiable in any mammal other than humans.
§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether charges are imposed on private veterinary surgeons who submit the carcases of domestic cats to veterinary investigation centres for post mortem examination for the presence of TB. [158626]
§ Mr. BradshawCarcases of any domestic cats submitted to VLA Regional Laboratories are examined for TB as part of the standard post-mortem protocols. If TB is suspected by the submitting veterinarian or if characteristic lesions of TB are found in the course of the post mortem examination at VLA, appropriate samples will be taken for histological and bacteriological tests to confirm the presence of "Mycobacterium bovis".
Confirmatory TB tests are carried out free of charge to the submitting veterinarian.