§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library a copy of the unpublished recommendations on the movement of animals from a World Health Organisation expert committee on rabies.
§ Mr. GummerThe recommendations are expected to be published shortly and a copy will he placed in the Library as soon as it is available.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the new rabies control measures agreed for cats and dogs which are traded for breeding purposes will require vaccination within 12 months before movement; how long an animal will be prevented from being moved when it is vaccinated for the first time; what are the requirements on revaccination; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerAnimals must be vaccinated during the 12 months prior to movement. They must be at least three months of age before their first vaccination and cannot be traded until at least six months after the first vaccination. Revaccination at annual intervals dispenses with the need for additional blood tests and allows for movement immediately after the latest vaccination.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the regulations on rabies control agreed on 15 June apply to dogs and cats imported for breeding purposes from third countries as well as other EC countries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerIn the absence of more specific rules, measures in relation to imports from third countries can be no more favourable than those applying to member states. There is no reason to change our existing quarantine requirements on imports from third countries.