HC Deb 22 February 1990 vol 167 cc905-6W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle confirmed as bovine spongiform encephalopathy sufferers have, immediately prior to notification, been the subject of bovine somatotropin experimentation; and what percentage these constitute of the total number of bovine somatotropin-treated cows.

Mr. Maclean

I am not aware that any animal in which BSE has been confirmed has previously been the subject of bovine somatotropin experimentation. Epidemiological studies conducted by the Ministry have not found any connection between the incidence of BSE and the use of pharmaceutical products.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those species of animals known to him as having a vertically transmitted form of spongiform encephalopathy.

Mr. Maclean

Scrapie, which occurs naturally in sheep and goats, is the only spongiform encephalopathy which is definitely known to be transmitted maternally. It is likely that the lamb or kid may become infected at birth or soon after being born, but whether true vertical transmission—i.e. infection contracted in utero before the lamb or kid is born—can occur is not certain.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the light of recommendations of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, he intends to act by prohibiting surgical interference with suspect bovine spongiform encephalopathy cases.

Mr. Maclean

No. The Ministry does not encourage unnecessary surgical interference with bovine spongiform encephalopathy suspects, but the decision as to whether or not surgery is appropriate in any particular case is a matter of veterinary judgment and professional ethics in the light of individual circumstances.

Mr. Pike

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy were reported in Lancashire from August 1988 until 14 February 1990.

Mr. Maclean

From 1 August 1988 to 14 February 1990, 218 suspected cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy were reported in Lancashire.