§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many diseases non-human primates are known to carry; how many of these are screened for when such animals are brought into the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [115275]
§ Ms QuinI have been asked to reply.
The diseases that non-human primates are known to carry are numerous and can be found in text books dealing with diseases of non-human primates. The hazards associated with simians are listed in the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens' publication "Working safely with simians: Management of infection risks". A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.
All simians that are imported into the UK are required to undergo six months' quarantine against rabies in premises authorised by the Department.