HC Deb 13 November 1969 vol 791 cc141-3W
66. Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many animal deaths from rabies have occurred in quarantine stations in the United Kingdom since 1922; and what were the species concerned.

Mr. John Mackie

Twenty-five dogs and one cat have died from rabies in approved quarantine stations in Great Britain since 1922. Additionally one leopard died whilst undergoing quarantine in approved premise Quarantine arrangements in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Government there.

67. Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many animal deaths from rabies have occurred in the United Kingdom outside quarantine since 1922; and what were the species concerned.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Since 1922 the only recorded instance of rabies in an animal in Great Britain outside approved quarantine premises was in a monkey in a research laboratory in 1966. Four dogs have died in approved quarantine premises outside the six-month quarantine period. Quarantine arrangements in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Government there.

Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of the dogs which have died from rabies in United Kingdom Quarantine stations since 1922 had been in the station concerned for more than six months before developing recognisable symptoms of the disease.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Three in Great Britain; although in one instance symptoms had been observed which warranted the precaution of continued detention in quarantine. Quarantine arrangements in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Government there.

Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the date of shipment to the United Kingdom, date of admission to quarantine and date of death of each of the dogs which has died of rabies in the United Kingdom since 1922.

Mr. John Mackie

Shipment dates are not available over this period; nor, in the majority of cases, the precise date of death. Following is a table showing the dates on which the dogs concerned were admitted to quarantine in Great Britain; the country from which they were landed; the dates on which rabies symptoms were first observed; and—for the past 20 years only—the actual dates of death. Quarantine arrangements in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Government there.

RABIES IN DOGS IN GREAT BRITAIN QUARANTINES
Date on which dog was admitted to quarantine Country whence imported Date on which rabies symptoms were first observed
31.12.23 India 4. 4.24
3. 4.24 Egypt 6. 4.24
22.12.23 India 13. 6.24
11. 2.27 India 15. 2.27
19. 3.28 India 21. 3.28
1. 5.29 India 25.11.29*
3. 9.29 Portugal 3. 1.30
8. 5.30 Morocco 8. 5.30
5. 5.37 East Africa 17. 5.37
13. 4.37 India 1. 9.37
29.8.38 Sudan 7. 9.38
25. 4.39 India 27. 5.39
15. 5.39 Egypt 17. 8.39
31.10.46 Italy 25.11.46
12.12.46 India 9. 1.47
30.9.46 Italy 24. 5.47*
25. 4.47 India 8. 7.47
2. 3.48 Burma 12. 3.48
27. 1.48 Burma 15. 6.48
22. 5.48 India 18.11.48
8. 2.49 Burma 19. 3.49
10.10.49 West Africa —†
1. 6.68 Nigeria —‡ (Died 21.6.68)
17. 4.69 India 20. 7.69 (Died 26.7.69)
4. 4.69 W. Germany 14.10.69§ (Died 18.10.69)
* At the owners' request, and to suit their convenience, these dogs had remained in quarantine kennels after the 6 month quarantine period had expired.
†Symptoms were first observed during the voyage to Great Britain.
‡No symptoms observed. Found dead 6.45 a.m. 21.6.68.
§Symptoms observed following release after 6 month quarantine; this dog was further quarantined from 14.10.69.