§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what checks are carried out on(a) people and (b) animals travelling from (i) North and (ii) South Korea to test for diseases related to animals. [66514]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 2 July 2002]Targeted checks on passengers are determined by risk. We alerted enforcement officers to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in South Korea. We received veterinary advice that there was no significant risk of travellers bringing back the virus provided rules on personal imports of animal products were observed. We hold central information on products seized. We do not hold central information on all checks that are undertaken.
Veterinary checks and tests are carried out in accordance with EU legislation on imports of registered horses from South Korea and for captive birds from North and South Korea. Imports of non-registered horses from South Korea and all horses from North Korea are not permitted. Imports of all other animals from North and South Korea are not permitted.