Foot-and-Mouth Disease

HC Deb 24 November 1967 vol 754 cc452-3W

Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many initial outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease since 1945 have been traced to virus contained in imported meat; what were the countries of origin; and what percentage these figures represent of total initial outbreaks.

Mr. John Mackie

Any evidence as to the origin of a primary outbreak must be circumstantial rather than in the nature of absolute proof. Subject to this qualification 36 (20 per cent.) of the 180 primary outbreaks since 1954 were attributed to swill and 54 (30 per cent.) to contact with imported meat and bones, otherwise than through swill. Some of the 43 outbreaks of obscure origin might also be associated with these causes. It is not possible to determine the countries of origin.

I regret that the figures for the period 1945 to 1954 are not readily available. For 1938 to 1954 40 per cent. of primary outbreaks were attributed to swill and 9 per cent. to contact with imported meat and bones; in 35 per cent. of primary outbreaks the origin was obscure.

Mr. Kenyon

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken to investigate the origin of the present epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease, and the reasons for the rapid spread.

Mr. Peart

The veterinary staff of the Ministry in the field make it one of their first tasks to trace the origin and the means of spread of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. It was, however, realised at an early stage in the present epidemic that there were some unusual features in this series of outbreaks, and scientists from the Ministry's Veterinary Laboratory were moved into the infected area some time ago. These have since been joined by further experts from the Pirbright Research Institute, the foremost institution in the world for research into foot-and-mouth disease. These scientists are giving special attention to investigating the method of spread of the disease and whether there are any features about this virus which are making it so difficult to bring under control.