HL Deb 10 April 2000 vol 612 cc21-2WA
Lord Lucas

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to test sheep for BSE; and, if so, how and when. [HL1772]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)

As SEAC reported in a news release of 16 March, agent strain typing is under way on isolates from over 130 brains of sheep with natural scrapie in order to determine whether the BSE agent profile exists. Although incomplete (each study takes up to two years) the analysis of over 30 isolates is advanced enough to suggest that they do not have the characteristics associated with the BSE agent.

Lord Lucas

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any contingency plans have been made, or are being made, for a cull of sheep if BSE is diagnosed in the national flock. [HL1773]

Baroness Hayman

SEAC has suggested that MAFF should draw up operational plans to deal with the possibility of BSE occurring in sheep. SEAC has not recommended a cull or called upon MAFF to plan for one.