§ Mr. George Gardinerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking, in consultation with veterinary bodies, to limit the spread of parvo-virus among dogs; whether he is monitoring dog deaths from this virus; which counties or regions have the highest incidence of deaths; what study his Department has made of precautionary measures taken in other countries; whether he will offer advice to dog owners and breeders on combating this virus; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WigginCanine parvo-virus affects only dogs and is not transmissible to 7W human beings. It is not a notifiable disease under the Diseases of Animals Acts and the veterinary service does not monitor its incidence. Advice on, and treatment of, the disease is provided by veterinary practitioners, and the British Veterinary Association is, I understand, taking a close interest.