§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what provisions have been made to deal with the potential for zoonotic infections on import of primates carried on the Cap Afrique; and if the veterinary surgeon charged with checking the health and wellbeing of the primates was the purchaser of them. [116341]
§ Ms QuinThe Department is responsible for licensing the import of primates into quarantine against rabies in premises authorised by the Department. Licence applications do not require the applicant to identify themselves as the purchaser or owner of the animals to be imported or as the purchaser's or owner's agent. Quarantine premises must employ a veterinary supervisor authorised by the Department to be responsible for the health of the imported animals. Employers of staff who work with simians must take account of their general duties under health and safety legislation and consider the risks from zoonoses that may affect staff and take suitable precautions to prevent or control exposure.