§ Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on fowl pest in Scotland.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I have just completed a review, in consultation with the Scottish poultry industry, of policy against fowl pest.
The continuing spread of the outbreak in the south has created a situation in which it is essential that Scottish flocks should be protected by vaccination against infection. The recent outbreak in Stirlingshire emphasises this. In view of this extension of vaccination, the slaughter of infected birds and the payment of compensation will be terminated in Scotland on 31st May except for the rare peracute form of the disease. Supplies of dead and live vaccine are available and I hope Scottish poultry keepers will act quickly to protect their flocks from the disease. The conditions of the 293W Poultry Health Scheme are being altered to permit the use of live vaccine.
The existing restrictions on the movement of live poultry into Scotland will continue. This is not only a measure to protect Scottish poultry stocks from fowl pest but is also a recognition of the relative freedom of Scottish poultry from a number of other diseases.
My Department will be undertaking an intensive information and publicity campaign for poultry keepers in Scotland.