HC Deb 15 March 1990 vol 169 c327W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies have been undertaken to establish whether scrapie can transfer from sheep to cattle; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

Epidemiological studies have shown that the most likely cause of BSE was feeding cattle with ruminant-based protein which included material from sheep infected with scrapie. Research investigating the experimental transmission of scrapie from sheep to cattle is not considered a priority.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether scrapie has been identified in muscle tissue in sheep; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

No.