HL Deb 15 April 1980 vol 408 cc272-3WA
Lord STANLEY of ALDERLEY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (1) How and when maedi/visna infection in sheep entered this country:
  2. (2) whether it is their intention to increase research now being undertaken on maedi/visna disease in sheep;
  3. (3) what is the level of infection of maedi/visna in the national flock and whether any individual breeds are or area is particularly infected;
  4. (4) what are the facilities for testing a flock for maedi/visna, what charges are made and what delay in testing and results are likely; and
  5. (5) what action they intend to take to ensure that sheep that are infected with maedi/visna should only be sold for slaughter as recommended in ADAS Leaflet 659 of 1980.

Earl FERRERS

Tests which were undertaken in 1978, showed that some sheep in this country had been exposed to infection and the virus was isolated in a flock the following year. No clinical evidence of the disease has been found. It is not clear how the infection entered Great Britain but the probability is that it was carried by sheep which were imported for breeding. It is proposed to continue the research at about its present level. There is good collaboration with research workers in other countries.

Varied amounts of infection have been found in imported sheep and their progeny. No specific area of the country is affected. Testing is being undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, at the owner's request, as part of its research programme. The results are usually available within 14 days of taking the blood samples. Current action consists mainly of providing advice about the disease and the means of controlling it. To ensure that infected animals were sold only for slaughter would require a heavy commitment of official manpower and other resources.