§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has(a) evaluated and (b) commissioned on the relationship between stocking density and the incidence of tuberculosis in cattle; and if he will make a statement.[16338]
§ Mr. RookerNo research has been commissioned specifically to study the relationship between stocking density and the incidence of tuberculosis in cattle. However, several studies have examined the behaviour of cattle in herds. For example, as cattle numbers increase, cattle do not avoid grass contaminated by badger faeces as much as usual. Professor Krebs's Committee has examined current research on bovine tuberculosis and is expected to report shortly.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has(a) evaluated and (b) commissioned on the levels and types of soil bacteria found in (i) organic agriculture and (ii) conventional agriculture; and what assessment he has made of the implications of that research for the eradication of tuberculosis in cattle.[16341]
§ Mr. RookerNo MAFF-funded research has been commissioned to study levels and types of soil bacteria found in either organic or conventional agriculture in the context of tuberculosis in cattle. However, some research has been carried out on the survival times of bovine TB in soil under experimental conditions. Further work has been carried out in the south west of England on the effect of farming practices on environmental mycobacteria. It has been suggested that these mycobacteria can prime the immune response in animals and humans, and may alter their response to subsequent infection and pathogens. Professor Krebs's Committee has examined current research on bovine tuberculosis and is expected to report shortly.
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