§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the bio-security risk of fallen wildlife in the countryside. [108800]
§ Mr. MorleyNo formal assessment has been made of the bio-security risks of fallen wild animals in the countryside. The carcases, or parts of carcases, of wild animals will be exempt from the scope of the Animal By-Products Regulation unless they are thought to be diseased or are used to produce game trophies. Although the Regulation places them under no legal obligation,708W owners of property on which there are dead wild animals are advised to contact their local authority for advice on appropriate disposal methods.
In some parts of the country, (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire), badgers may be infected with TB. In these areas, those who find dead badgers are advised to contact their local Animal Health Office who may wish to test the carcase for TB.