§ Mr. Robert Howarthasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the extent of the problem of salmonella virchow particularly in live poultry and broilers; what steps his 52W factory. My right hon. Friend will be considering the subject generally when he has received the report of the Working Party on Sewage Disposal, which he expects early next year.
Department are taking to eliminate the disease and to what extent there is a public health hazard with salmonella virchow in chickens in the dead state.
§ Mr. John MackieSalmonella virchow is quite rare in this country and does not represent any special hazard. I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, that in the event of the presence of salmonella virchow in chickens there would be no hazard to public health, provided the poultry was adequately cooked and proper hygienic requirements were observed.
Salmonella infection in general is not eradicable, but my Department's veterinary specialists are available to assist private veterinary surgeons in the problems that might arise in individual herds or flocks.