§ 32. Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the funding of research into animal diseases. [46542]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Department funds a substantial programme of research into farm animal diseases. The current spend is some £33 million annually. Details of our research projects can be found on the DEFRA website (http://www.defra.gov.uk/research/researchfrm.htm).
§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her strategy for handling outbreaks of serious animal diseases. [48564]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 10 April 2002]: Strategies for handling outbreaks of serious animal diseases vary in detail according to the characteristics of each disease, notably the means of spread and the species affected. Policies for dealing with the main diseases are set out in EU and UK legislation. Many elements of animal disease control contingency planning are common for a range of diseases. These include surveillance, reporting and investigation procedures; import controls; tracing and diagnosis; eradication options such as slaughter and vaccination; valuation and compensation procedures; controls over animal movements; and the principles of biosecurity, including cleansing and disinfection of premises and vehicles.
The findings of the Royal Society and Lessons Learned Inquiries following last year's FMD outbreak will be taken into account in keeping our strategies for handling animal disease outbreaks up to date and effective.
§ Mr. Roger WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what tests for disease are carried out on live animal imports. [R] [46516]
1063W
§ Mr. MorleyPost import checks are carried out by the State Veterinary Service for a range of diseases according to the species and the country from which the animal originated.