§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of rabies were reported in(a) France and (b) other EC countries in 1991; and in which regions they occurred.
§ Mr. SoamesEC member states reported the following rabies cases in 1991:
24W
Country Cases France 2,166 Belgium 29 Germany 3,599 Italy 4 Luxembourg 16 Netherlands 12 Spain 18 Denmark — Greece — Portugal — United Kingdom — 1 In North Africa. The disease is present mainly in north-east France, eastern Germany, and at Community border areas with neighbouring third countries.
§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many organisations have approached his Department in connection with the proposed EC legislation on rabies prevention; and if he will list them.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Ministry has been approached recently by the following organisations on the general topic of rabies controls:
- Quarantine Kennel Owners Association;
- RSPCA;
- British Veterinary Association;
- National Office of Animal Health;
- Dunwich Womens Association;
- Rushmere St. Andrews Womens Institute;
- Nacton Womens Institute;
- Kelsale Womens Institute;
- Thanet Dog Owners Association;
- The Sled-Dog Sports Federation;
- Hull and Goole Port Health Authority;
- North West Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club;
- Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club;
- Masters of Foxhounds Association;
- National Farmers Union;
- Farm and Food Society;
- Falmouth and District Hotels Association;
- Healing Parish Council;
- National Equine Defence League;
- Feline Advisory Bureau;
- Walmer Residents Association:
- Bournemouth Residents and Visitors Association of Dog Owners.
§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which countries in western Europe and eastern Europe have had the highest incidence of rabies cases in animals over the past five years; and what information he has on the methods used in those countries to try to prevent the spread of the disease.
§ Mr. SoamesIn Europe rabies is mainly associated with the red fox. The highest incidences of disease in western Europe are found in Germany, Austria and France. In eastern Europe the disease is generally widespread with the highest incidences recorded in Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary.
Oral vaccination of foxes is the chief method for controlling the spread of rabies in both the Community and neighbouring countries.
§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the position in the single market regarding the elimination of quarantine regulations for animals moving into rabies-free countries.
§ Mr. SoamesNo proposal has yet been made for the elimination of quarantine.
§ Mr. DykesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which EC countries enforce compulsory vaccination of dogs.
§ Mr. SoamesVaccination of dogs is understood to be a legal requirement in Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain. It is also required elsewhere in the Community in specific areas.