HC Deb 29 April 2004 vol 420 cc1193-4W
Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will specify the locations at which the deer in the vicinity of the Baronsdown deer sanctuary tested positive for TB; how many of the carcases were sent to the Veterinary Investigation Laboratories, and when; and how many laboratory tests are pending. [165176]

Mr. Bradshaw

Since the beginning of January 1998, there have been nine bacteriologically confirmed cases of bovine tuberculosis(Mycobacterium bovis) in the Parish of Dulverton in West Somerset (eight red deer, one roe deer). Other deer submissions were bacteriologically negative.

In 2003, six (from seven) deer submissions from Exmoor proved positive for M. bovis.

In February 2004, eight red deer culled near Dulverton, Somerset as part of a routine annual random cull were submitted to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) at Langford. After examination by a Veterinary Investigation Officer, tissues from four animals with suspect lesions have been submitted for Mycobacterium culture. The results are awaited.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she takes against(a) farms and (b) others who fail to notify her Department of TB in deer. [165177]

Mr. Bradshaw

The Tuberculosis (Deer) Order 1989 provides for the compulsory notification of tuberculosis in deer and deer carcasses. Contravention or failure to comply with the provisions of the Order constitute an offence against the Animal Health Act 1981. Prosecution would be carried out by the local authority.

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