HC Deb 28 July 1989 vol 157 cc1157-8W
Mr. Hardy

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of anthrax have been reported during the last seven years.

Mr. Curry

The number of cases of anthrax reported and confirmed in each year since 1982 is as follows:

Number
1982 20
1983 14
1984 9
1985 6
1986 14
1987 6
1988 3
11989 18
1 To date.

Mr. Hardy

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what deficiencies of resources and materials were revealed during the recent outbreak of anthrax; and what steps are being taken to remedy them.

Mr. Curry

As was already known, the outbreak demonstrated that commercial supplies of anthrax vaccine had ceased to be available. We were already investigating the possibility of alternative sources and are continuing to do so.

Mr. Hardy

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the restrictions on public access to land suspected of being infected by anthrax were lifted.

Mr. Curry

Public entry to premises under restriction because of anthrax is at the discretion of the owner.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the number of animals by type that have left the Singret farm, Clwyd in each week since 19 April; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Curry

[holding answer 27 July 1989]: The following animals have left Singret farm since 19 April:

Pigs
20 April 19
Thereafter, week commencing:
24 April 185
1 May 183
8 May 249
15 May 220
22 May 269
29 May 245
5 June 205
12 June 219
19 June 150
26 June 70
3 July 210
10 July 113

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food where the slurry from the pigs recently destroyed during an anthrax outbreak in north Wales is being dumped; what steps are being taken to eliminate the risk of contamination; and what is being done with the rest of the waste from the slaughtered animals.

Mr. Curry

[holding answer 27 July 1989]: All slurry on the farm is being treated with formalin on site by the local authority, to inactivate any anthrax organisms that may be present. After treatment it is being disposed of on a licensed waste disposal site at Warrington in Cheshire.

The carcases of slaughtered animals are being incinerated on site and the ashes disposed of in an approved manner.