HC Deb 25 June 1996 vol 280 cc102-3W
Mr. Temple-Morris

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken in the United Kingdom to research into and eradicate the disease of bovine tuberculosis; and if he will make a statement. [33348]

Mrs. Browning

Our extensive research programme includes work on improved diagnostic testing of cattle, disease transmission studies, development of badger vaccines, computer modelling of the effect of badger control strategies, badger disruption studies, strain typing of mycobacterium bovis and antigen research.

All cattle herds are regularly tested using the tuberculin skin test. Reactors and dangerous contacts are compulsorily slaughtered and compensation paid. Movement restrictions are applied to affected herds and contact animals are traced. Post mortem examination of the carcases and laboratory examination of samples are carried out. The carcases of all cattle slaughtered for human consumption are routinely inspected for lesions of tuberculosis.

In Great Britain, where badgers are considered to be the cause of disease in cattle, a badger removal operation is undertaken by MAFF's wildlife unit unless the owner of the cattle declines.

We have been considering the views of interested parties about the future of our bovine tuberculosis control policy for Great Britain and expect to be able to take a decision shortly.

Mr. Temple-Morris

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current incidence of bovine tuberculosis; and what research is being done into the relationship of the bacterium mycobacterium bovis and its human counterpart. [33374]

Mrs. Browning

In 1995, the number of new confirmed herd breakdowns in Great Britain was 449 and positive reactors were confirmed in 713 herds in Northern Ireland.

The Veterinary Laboratories Agency is developing typing techniques for distinguishing M. bovis and M. tuberculosis strains. It is sharing research with other groups, including the Medical Research Council tuberculosis unit, to look at common components of the two organisms which could be useful as vaccine candidates and diagnostic reagents. The agency is also monitoring the considerable research work worldwide on mycobacteria in general.