HC Deb 26 June 1978 vol 952 cc414-5W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what efforts his Department has made to identify the cause of the disease ulcerative dermal necrosis in salmon; and what is his latest estimate of the incidence of this disease in the waters of England and Wales.

Mr. Bishop

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Devon, West (Mr. Mills) on 19th May. —[Vol. 950, c. 351–2.]

I understand from the regional water authorities that there has been no recent significant incidence of mortality among salmon that could be attributed to UDN. Overall the proportion of fish affected by fungus appears to be normal for the time of year. Salmon runs have however been high in some parts, particularly the South-West, and this may have led to increased sightings of fungused fish.