§ Lord Lucasasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any parts or materials derived from parts of Odocoileus species, or Cervus elaphus nelsoni may be imported from North America; and, if so, what safeguards are in place to prevent the introduction of chronic wasting disease into the United Kingdom. [HL4789]
164WA
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)EU regulations permit the import into the UK, from the USA and Canada, of wild and farmed game meat from animals of theOdocoileus hemionus species and Cervus elaphus nelsoni for human consumption. Consignments must come from EU approved establishments and must be accompanied by official veterinary health certification, which does not, however, specifically refer to freedom from chronic wasting disease (CWD).
The importation from the USA or Canada of game meat products derived from these animals is not permitted under Community law as there are no EU approved processing establishments. Imports of parts of the animals or materials derived from them (ie. game trophies and hides and skins) may be imported under EU regulations but not for human consumption.
We have been told by the authorities in Canada that elk and mule deer meat are not exported or used in the food chain. There is a depopulation programme in place in respect of those herds affected by CWD. There have been no recorded cases of CWD in red deer in Canada. CWD is present in the USA but is confined to a small geographical region. Six establishments in the USA are approved to export game meat to the UK and they are significantly distant from this region.