HC Deb 10 July 1995 vol 263 cc430-1W
Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received, since I January, asserting that the incidence of sheep scab has increased since compulsory dipping was discontinued, and if he will make a statement on his policy towards(a) making sheep scab a notifiable disease, (b) making dipping compulsory on farms where scab has been found and (c) making testing for scab compulsory on neighbouring farms. [30271]

Mrs. Browning

The Department has received a number of representations on the subject of sheep scab since 1 January.

In response to claims early last year that the incidence of sheep scab had increased, we carried out our own investigations in March 1994 into the level of scab at markets and in flocks treated by private veterinary surgeons. Although the results were not conclusive, they indicated that the number of infested sheep had increased. In co-operation with the industry, we conducted a publicity campaign to encourage farmers to treat their sheep for scab. In addition, the official veterinary presence at markets was significantly increased; infested animals are being withdrawn from sale and treated and the owners risk prosecution under animal welfare legislation.

A second state veterinary service survey has indicated that the numbers of sheep affected by scab sent to markets and sales has declined. This is an encouraging sign and should help to reduce the spread of scab.

However, reports from practising veterinary surgeons suggest that the number of infected farms is increasing. The veterinary surgeons also suggest that some farmers are not treating their sheep strictly in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions. This can lead to the temporary suppression of the disease which then re-establishes itself later.

The full results of this years survey and those from last year are as follows:

1994 1995
Market visits
Number 869 867
Batches with suspected scab 177 47
Per cent. visits where scab found 20 5
Serious welfare cases 13 6
Other outbreaks of scab found by SVS
Number 53 34
Outbreaks of scab known to private veterinary surgeons
Number 254 595

The Government are concerned at the increasing spread of sheep scab and accordingly propose to carry out a publicity campaign to encourage good management practices, including the proper use of the available treatments. The newly established Meat Hygiene Service will be watching out for signs of scab infestation in sheep arriving at slaughterhouses and will report any welfare cases to the state veterinary service for follow-up action on the farms concerned. Where necessary, appropriate action will be taken under farm animal welfare legislation. We will also be continuing our increased surveillance of sheep sales and taking follow-up action in connection with any welfare problems associated with scab infestation.

In addition to the initiatives above, I have asked officials to consider what other options may be available for dealing with the disease.

Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reason the policy of compulsory sheep dipping was changed, and if he will make a statement. [31246]

Mrs. Browning

The decision to remove statutory controls for sheep scab, which included compulsory dipping, was mainly based on the failure of these arrangements to eradicate the disease and the view that they were unlikely to do so in the future. Given also the substantial demands placed on the state veterinary service and local authorities, the lack of EC interest in the disease—which would make it difficult to prevent scab being reintroduced again on imported animals—and the lack of commitment shown by a substantial minority of farmers, it was decided that Government involvement in the control of sheep scab could no longer be justified.

This does not mean that the Government are no longer concerned about the threat posed by scab and I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Taunton (Mr. Nicholson).

Mr. Jones

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the recorded levels of sheep scab in each of the last five years. [31244]

Mrs. Browning

The numbers of confirmed cases of sheep scab in Great Britain in 1991 and 1992 were as follows:

  • 1991: 116
  • 1992 (to 30 June): 94

The collation of official records on the number of outbreaks of sheep scab was discontinued after deregulation in 1992.

The official veterinary presence at sheep markets was increased between 1 September 1994 and 3 March 1995, during which time suspected sheep scab was detected in 49 out of 2,878 market visits. In total, 364 animals had to be withdrawn from sale and treated under the Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990 and a further 210 animals with suspected sheep scab were sent direct to slaughter.

For further information on the amount of scab discovered during surveys conducted by the state veterinary service in March 1994 and March 1995, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Taunton (Mr. Nicholson).