HC Deb 20 March 2001 vol 365 cc189-90W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research is being undertaken into the survival of M.bovis in(a) soil, (b) dust, (c) water and (d) other materials. [154034]

Plant protection products containing organophosphate pesticides which have been granted approval since September 1998
Registration number Product name Marketing company
Products containing 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid
M09748 Aventis Cerone Rhöne-Poulenc Agriculture
M09972 Aventis Cerone Aventis CropScience (UK) Ltd.
M09985 Cerone Aventis CropScience (UK) Ltd.
M09986 Charger Aventis CropScience (UK) Ltd.
M09868 Cleancrop Fonic United Agri Products
M09553 Cleancrop Fonic M United Agri Products

Ms Quin

[holding answer 16 March 2001]The current research programme is designed to improve knowledge of the epidemiology, modes of transmission, pathogenesis and risk factors associated with bovine TB.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what account his Department is taking of the threat of increased genetic susceptibility to bovine TB of cattle. [154033]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 16 March 2001]The Government have accepted the advice of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISG) that research into the genetic base of disease resistance in cattle is not a priority at present, given the major practical difficulties the ISG has identified in pursuing research, and given that any genetic differences seem likely to affect mainly the severity of the disease in cattle, whereas current control policies are based on the removal of all infected animals identified through an immune response.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what methods his Department uses to restrict the spread of bovine TB during the foot and mouth epidemic. [154035]

Ms Quin

[holding answer 16 March 2001]All cattle movements in Great Britain are prohibited under the current foot and mouth disease control measures, except when conducted under special MAFF licences.

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