§ Dr. StrangTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reliable diagnostic tests are available for the detection of animals infected with caseous lymphadenitis; what is the total of Government spending on the development of improved diagnostic tests for caseous lymphadentitis; and what steps are being taken to warn farmers of the dangers of buying infected animals.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe only available reliable diagnostic test for caseous lymphadenitis is to identify the causative organism from material from animals suspected of having the disease.
Caseous lymphadenitis is not a notifiable disease and there is no Government spending on the development of diagnostic tests. Responsibility for control measures lies with the sheep and goat industries, and individual farmers who have been advised to protect their flocks and herds using good husbandry practices.