Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times BSE infection has been found in cattle being imported into the United Kingdom; and from which countries the infected cattle originated. [28852]
§ Mr. AncramI understand that 14 animals have been imported into the UK which have been subsequently confirmed as having BSE. Although exact dates of importation are not known, the animals are believed to have resided in the UK for a sufficient period to have been exposed to BSE infective material. It cannot be concluded that the animals were affected with BSE when imported.
The countries from which the animals were imported are as follows:
- Belgium: 1
- France: 4
- Italy: 3
- Netherlands: 1
- Republic of Ireland: 5.