§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research is available to him regarding(a) the incidence and (b) the effects of hydatid disease on animals and humans in Gwent; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Nicholas BennettInformation on the incidence of human hydatid disease in Gwent for the period 1974 to 1983 is contained within the published report "The Changing Incidence of Human Hydatid Disease in England and Wales" by S. R. Palmer and Ann H. B. Biffen. The communicable disease surveillance centre (Wales) is currently working on an updated survey covering the period 1984 to 1990. This survey will again include data for Gwent. The results are expected later this year.
A considerable body of research exists into the effects of hydatid disease in humans, though none specific to Gwent.
As far as farm animals are concerned hydatidosis is not a notifiable disease, and there are no official statistics available on incidence. The disease causes little discomfort in farm animals affected.