Anthrax (Hansard, 17 July 1989)

§ Dr. David Clark
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the abattoirs in England which have been receiving meat from the Clwyd and Devon farms which have an outbreak of anthrax; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will list the number and type of animals infected by anthrax in Devon in the current year; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will make a statement on the source of anthrax contamination in Devon;
(4) what action he is taking on the farm in Devon which currently has an outbreak of anthrax; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Donald Thompson
There is no current outbreak of anthrax in Devon. A single case occurred in January involving the death of one cow. Despite thorough epidemiological investigation the source of infection was not identified. Restrictions were lifted on 10 January.
No abattoirs in England have received animals from the farm in Clwyd while movement restrictions under the Anthrax Order 1938 have been in force.

§ Mr. Barry Jones
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the 1938 Anthrax Order with a view to including the disposal of potentially infected slurry; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Donald Thompson
No. The Anthrax Order 1938 already includes provision for the disinfection or disposal of dung likely to spread disease.