§ Mr. Clive Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps his Department is taking to combat liver fluke in sheep; and if he will introduce a scheme of financial aid to farmers to reduce the incidence of liver fluke.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsExtensive field and laboratory studies by the Ministry's Veterinary Service have demonstrated a close correlation between weather conditions and liver fluke disease. We have been able to devise a method of using meteorological data to forecast outbreaks of the disease. These forecasts, together with the control measures we recommended, have been made known to the farming community through the press etc. Additionally our veterinary officers in the normal course of their duties advise farmers on husbandry methods by which the incidence of the disease can be reduced.
To demonstrate the value of the forecast and control measures, 12 demonstration farms have been set up in Wales. 194W The measures devised in the Ministry's forecast for the control of fluke disease are supplied at these farms and up to now excellent results have been obtained. There is now initial evidence that the forecasting methods can be applied with equal success in all areas.
The only sure method of control is to drain flukey areas and the Ministry's normal field drainage grants are available.