§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of sheep scab there were in each year since 1990 and in each month for 1994.
§ Mrs. BrowningThe total number of confirmed cases of sheep scab in England for the years 1990 to 1992 was as follows:
Number 1990 82 1991 96 1992 (to 30 June) 63 The collation of official records on the number of outbreaks of sheep scab was discontinued after deregulation of compulsory controls in 1992.
Industry reports have indicated that sheep scab has been discovered in every county in Britain. A surveillance exercise during spring 1994 identified 177 batches of sheep suspected of having sheep scab from 869 visits to sheep sales and markets. These and other reports confirm that the disease is probably present in all parts of the country.
The Government announced on 17 May 1994 that they would conduct a publicity campaign and increase the official veterinary presence at sheep markets. To date, in Great Britain suspected sheep scab has been detected at only 14 of 1,982 market visits conducted since 1 September 1994. In total 189 animals have been withdrawn from sale and treated under the Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990, and a further 103 animals with suspected sheep scab were sent direct to slaughter.
A further surveillance exercise will be carried out this spring.