HC Deb 30 January 1956 vol 548 cc72-3W
Sir A. Bossom

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has that wild birds might be carriers of fowl pest.

Mr. Amory

Sea birds contributed to the spread of infection in a series of outbreaks in Scotland in 1949. Apart from this, I have no evidence that fowl pest has been carried by wild birds in this country. I am advised that any birds are capable of carrying infection. The slaughter policy, together with the disinfection of premises, very greatly minimises any chance of wild birds picking up infection.