§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the incidence of leptospira hardjo and Weil's disease among those in occupations of greatest risk over the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsThere were 299 confirmed cases of leptospirosis in England and Wales in the period 1985–89, of which 180 are known to have been occupationally related. Leptosprosis hardjo, which is associated with cattle, accounted for 139 of these cases among agricultural and abattoir workers, those involved in pig, cattle and dairy farming, and veterinary workers. Weil's disease can develop from any leptospiral infection but is most common in infections associated with rats, although few cases actually occur. Those at risk include sewer and water workers. In the five-year period there were 15 deaths from leptospirosis infection reported in England and Wales.