HC Deb 12 January 1989 vol 144 cc713-4W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has of the occurrence of salmonella enteritidis phage 4 in wild birds.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I have no specific evidence of the occurrence of salmonella enteritidis phage 4 in wild birds, but it is recognised that wild birds are susceptible to infection with salmonella.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any evidence to suggest that salmonella enteritidis phage 4 infection of free range hens or their eggs may originate from wild birds.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Salmonella organisms are widespread in the environment and the potential for contamination through wild birds is known to exist. However, I have no specific evidence that salmonella enteritidis phage 4 type infection in laying hens and their eggs originates from wild birds.