§ Lord Rotherwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy on wild animals with enzootic diseases. [HL3837]
§ Lord WhittyThe Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, published on 24 June 2004, recognises that there may be a legitimate role to play: where there is a risk of zoonotic diseases being transmitted to man, either directly or via vectors, for example, rabies from bats; where wildlife populations may pass on, harbour 153WA or recycle diseases of farmed livestock—for example, classical swine fever in wild boar, bovine tuberculosis in badgers and avian influenza in migrating birds; where certain welfare issues arise involving protection from cruelty or the role of rehabilitation and rescue centres; and where disease controls for farmed livestock and other animals affect wildlife.
The development of the Veterinary Surveillance Strategy, which will collect information from many animal populations, will improve our knowledge in these areas and help identify areas for further research.