§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice his Department has provided to farmers on ways they can reduce the risk of diseases spreading to their cattle. [90838]
§ Mr. RookerWe have published two leaflets on this issue today. The first, "Farm Biosecurity: Protecting Herd Health" covers general disease prevention and the second "TB in Cattle: Reducing the Risk" is aimed more specifically at reducing the threat of tuberculosis.
This is an important area; through these leaflets we are aiming to raise farmers' awareness of the importance of good practice in reducing disease risk and the benefits it offers. These leaflets offer good advice that farmers throughout the country should follow.
The leaflets will be given to cattle farmers by State Veterinary Service staff and Local Veterinary Inspectors during farm visits and are being made widely available through markets, the Farmers' Unions and local Agricultural Department offices.
I have arranged for copies of both leaflets to be placed in the Library of the House.