§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the Animal By-Products Regulations with particular reference to(a) contiguous culls and (b) mass burials of livestock in (i) a future outbreak of foot and mouth disease and (ii) other infectious disease outbreaks. [103644]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 20 March 2003]: The Animal By-Products Regulation will permit the burial of livestock during outbreaks of a List A notifiable disease, such as foot and mouth, if there is a lack of capacity at rendering plants and incinerators or if transport of the carcases would spread disease.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to deal with a keeper of livestock who refuses to inform the authorities in the event of a possible diagnosis of animal disease. [104144]
§ Mr. MorleyA keeper of livestock who fails to report animals having or suspected of having a notifiable disease is liable to prosecution under animal health legislation. Prosecution action is for the local authorities, with whom we liaise.