§ Lord Stanley of Alderleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many cases of sheep scab have been identified by their officials at livestock markets; what action has been taken and how many cases have been taken to court in (a) England and (b) Wales.
Earl HoweFrom figures received up to 19 December, only eight of 1,348 market visits conducted since 1 September 1994 have resulted in sheep scab being detected. Of the 181 animals discovered with sheep scab, 78 sheep were withdrawn from sale and treated and 103 were sent for slaughter, as planned.
Seven cases of scab found at markets necessitated welfare visits to the vendor's premises but we are not yet aware of any cases where local authorities are considering prosecution.