HC Deb 27 April 1993 vol 223 cc379-80W
Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the cost to date of the measures taken to prevent an outbreak of foot and mouth disease since the presence of vaccinated stock in the United Kingdom first came to his attention.

Mr. Gummer

The measures taken include the tracing and testing of some 850 cattle in some 27 consignments imported into Great Britain since last August and which are now located throughout the country. Information on the cost of such measures, which are still continuing, is only available at disproportionate cost.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the most recent figure for the number of cattle presently in the United Kingdom which are known to have been vaccinated against foot and mouth disease; from which country they originated; if the precise location of each vaccinated animal is known to the authorities; and what plans he has for removing vaccinated livestock from the United Kingdom.

Mr. Gummer

So far, a total of 238 imported cattle have been tested positive for the presence of antibodies to foot and mouth disease (FMD). In the absence of clinical disease, the positive test results indicate that the animals in question may have previously been vaccinated against FMD. Most of the seropositive animals originated in the Czech Republic and a small number in Poland. All seropositive animals are currently under restriction on their holdings while the tracing and testing of remaining animals is completed. In view of the long-standing policy not to permit the presence in the United Kingdom of animals which have been vaccinated against FMD, and the fact that the animals were imported in contravention of Community import rules, the seropositive animals will have to be either returned to their countries of origin or slaughtered. My veterinary officials have been in touch with their counterparts in the Czech Republic and Poland to discuss possible arrangements for the re-export of the animals in question.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to compensate United Kingdom livestock farmers who came to be in possession of stock vaccinated against foot and mouth disease.

Mr. Gummer

The resolution of the problem is a commercial matter between the exporters, the importers and the current owners. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is under no obligation to pay any form of compensation.