HC Deb 24 January 1973 vol 849 cc178-9W
Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of sheep scab have recently occurred in the United Kingdom; what conclusions have been reached in respect of the origins of this disease; if he is satisfied with present regulations concerning sheep dipping; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Fenner

Twenty-six cases of sheep scab have been confirmed from 1st January to 24th January. All have occurred in farms on the Yorks-Lancs border or on premises elsewhere in Lancashire and Cheshire which have direct connections with these farms. Evidence so far available suggests that the disease may have been introduced by sheep imported from Ireland in 1971. Urgent tracing and examination of sheep imported in 1971 and 1972 is being carried out by my Department's veterinary staff.

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that powers under the existing sheep scab legislation are adequate to deal with the disease. These powers have already been used to secure the treatment of sheep on infected premises and the dipping of sheep which may have been exposed to infection.

In order to prevent further spread of the disease, a movement order was declared on 13th January covering an area of approximately 450 square miles of Lancashire and the West Riding; sheep may not be moved out of the area unless licensed and, unless going for direct slaughter, must have been dipped in an approved single-dipping type dip before being licensed.

When further investigation has been completed, it may be necessary to declare a dipping area which will require all flocks in the area to be specifically dipped. I am glad to say that farmers are cooperating fully with my Department's staff and we are confident that together we will be able to get the disease under control.

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