§ Mr. BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government are taking to develop an animal health strategy; and to what extent this strategy is based on(a)the promotion of health and (b)the treatment and prevention of disease. [46636]
§ Mr. MorleyWork is already in hand to develop some aspects of an animal health strategy. In particular work on a strategy for veterinary surveillance was interrupted by the FMD epidemic, but has now been resumed; a draft strategy for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in animals was published on 12 February; a programme of work to tackle illegal imports is being developed; plans for the improvement of cattle tracing systems and for identification and tracing of other livestock are being developed; and the Government are already consulting on changes to the rules on animal welfare. The Government have commissioned Royal Society and Lessons Learned inquiries into the FMD epidemic which will inform the animal health strategy when they are available later this year.
The strategy will be developed in conjunction with stakeholders, as it will include the promotion of biosecurity measures which are conducive to good health and the prevention of animal disease.
Treatment of animal disease will generally remain a matter for the individual choice of animal owners and their veterinary surgeons, except where the disease is subject to statutory control.