§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he is taking to control the number of sheep scab cases in Wales; and what plans he now has to make sheep scab a fully notifiable disease.
§ Mr. RedwoodSheep scab is a disease which can be controlled by individual farmers, who are aware of the preventive measures and procedures needed to deal with it. The Government have no plans to re-introduce sheep scab controls.
We are aware of the concerns within the industry about the number of sheep affected by scab. A comprehensive publicity campaign is being carried out this autumn aimed at all sheep farmers, encouraging treatment where scab is suspected. It will help owners recognise the disease and emphasise to farmers their welfare responsibilities. We are also stepping up our efforts to ensure that unfit animals are not presented for sale by increasing the official veterinary presence at markets. Animals suffering from scab will be removed from sale at markets and owners will face the possibility of prosecution.