§ 44. Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on progress towards brucellosis eradication in Northumberland.
§ Mr. StrangBy the end of November 1978, 1,003 herds in Northumberland were brucellosis accredited, and a further 123 were undergoing qualifying tests. Of the herds with testable animals outside the voluntary schemes, numbering about 420, some 300 have been participating in the free 45/20 vaccination scheme which has been successful in reducing the incidence of brucellosis in heavily infected herds.
Before the commencement of compulsory eradication, on 1st November next year, the owners of herds still outside the schemes will be visited by veterinary 269W officers who will explain the arrangements for compulsory testing and, if appropriate, the advantages of joining the brucellosis incentives scheme.