HC Deb 21 March 2002 vol 382 cc502-3W
Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what further steps she is taking to combat the rise of bovine tuberculosis. [43980]

Mr. Morley

On 31 January movement restrictions were placed on cattle herds which had missed a six or 12-month TB test after the lifting of movement restrictions, in annually tested parishes. This measure was introduced in response to a veterinary risk assessment which has shown that herds undergoing these kinds of tests have historically had the greatest risk of bovine TB infection. In addition the backlog of TB tests that have arisen during the foot and mouth outbreak are being prioritised and where possible extra resources are being diverted to carry out this work.