§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are taken by his Department when an outbreak of tuberculosis is confirmed in farmed deer herds.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonWhen an outbreak of tuberculosis is confirmed in farmed deer herds a notice is served under article 15 of the Tuberculosis (England and Wales) Order 1984 or the Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 1984 preventing movement of deer on or off the premises. These restrictions are maintained until the herd has undergone two consecutive comparative tuberculin tests, at least 120 days apart, with negative results at severe interpretation. The first of these tests is carried out at least 120 days after removal of reactors or infected animals.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the introduction of a tuberculocis eradication scheme for farmed deer; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI announced my proposals for the control of tuberculosis in farmed deer on 15 december 1988 at columns 674–75. A consultation letter on the proposals was sent to interested organisations on 21 December 1988. Consideration is now being given to the comments they have made.
§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of tuberculosis have been confirmed in deer herds in the past 12 months in England and Wales, and in each of the preceding three years.
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§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe numbers of deer herds in which tuberculosis has been confirmed are as follows:
Number 1985 3 1986 — 1987 — 1988 6