HC Deb 07 February 1968 vol 758 cc154-5W
141. Sir W. Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the result of his inquiries into this year's foot-and-mouth epidemic will be available; and what plans he has to introduce new regulations to ensure that such an epidemic does not recur in the near future.

Mr. Peart:

I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly. Naturally it will be my wish to avoid any recurrence of an epidemic such as we have experienced and I shall study the circumstances very carefully.

Mr. Temple

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he is satisfied that his approved list of disinfectants, together with its supplements, now contains all the most effective chemicals which are available and could be used commercially to kill the foot-and-mouth virus of the 0.1. strain now prevalent; and if he will make a statement;

(2)whether he will publish a table showing the killing power, judged on a time scale of the approved disinfectants used at recommended strengths against the strain of 0.1. virus now prevalent in this country;

(3)whether he will publish a table showing the strength of formalin spray used in destroying foot-and-mouth virus on the face of hay and other stores of food while disinfecting infected premises. and further showing the recommended densities of such spray to be used on the common forms of feedingstuffs which have to be so treated;

(4) how many of the disinfectants approved for the purposes of the Diseases of Animals (Disinfection) Order, 1936 have been individually tested for the effectiveness in killing the foot-and-mouth virus 0.1. strain which is prevalent in the present epidemic.

Mr. Peart:

Disinfection is an important part of the control of foot-and-mouth disease on infected premises. On these premises my officers use a 4 per cent. solution of washing soda for areas they consider to be contaminated, including buildings. A 5 per cent. solution of formalin is used for spraying on hay and other feedingstuffs. The formalin solution contains 40 per cent. formaldehyde. Feedingstuffs or hay which cannot be safely disinfected are either burned or buried.

Disinfection at the gate of the infected premises of men and vehicles that have to enter and leave is also essential. The most important part of this procedure is a thorough washing of outer clothing, footwear and vehicles. An approved disinfectant is used and the purpose of this is to kill the virus, not on the person or vehicles, but on the ground after it has been removed by washing. A number of disinfectants have been tested at Pirbright in laboratory conditions against foot-and-mouth disease virus. They are all effective in time, though some take longer than others.

The whole question of the approved list of disinfectants is being re-examined to see whether it is possible to list a number of disinfectants that would be suitable for a limited number of diseases, together with a list of general disinfectants for markets and livestock vehicles, which must always be suitable for a wide range of disease.