HC Deb 22 July 1991 vol 195 cc377-8W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the threat to human, animal and environmental health from the improper disposal of the carcases of casualty animals; and if he proposes to take any further action to require the proper disposal of such animals.

Mr. David Hunt

The improper disposal of animal carcases is both illegal and environmentally unacceptable. The state veterinary service monitors the disposal of such carcases, and liaises with local authorities on the enforcement of the relevant legislative controls.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will introduce measures to prohibit the use of unprocessed or uncooked casualty farm animals as animal feed.

Mr. David Hunt

Existing controls are already adequate. Under the Processed Animal Protein Order 1989 and the Diseases of Animals (Waste Food) Order 1973 (as amended) material derived from animals must be processed or rendered microbiologically safe before it can be included in feeding stuffs for livestock or poultry.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the threat to animal health from tape worm infection from parasites spread by hunting dogs fed on uncooked sheep carcases.

Mr. David Hunt

No specific assessment has been made. Observations by the veterinary investigation service indicate that infestations regularly occur among farm livestock in Wales, but these infestations will have been derived from farm and other dogs as well as hunting dogs.