§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the cases of psittacosis confirmed in Sway in Hampshire in each year since 2000 and the actions taken by her Department; and if she will make a statement. [174629]
§ Mr. BradshawThere have been four recorded cases of psittacosis in Sway, Hampshire since 2000:
Number of cases 2000 0 2001 3 2002 1 2003 0 2004 (to date) 0 The veterinary surgeon submitting the samples was informed of the results of the examination carried out by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency Regional Laboratory and reminded that psittacosis is a zoonosis (infection transmissible between animals and man) and the public health implications for the owner.
The public health authorities were informed and a visit was made to the premises in 2002 by a Veterinary Officer from the local Defra Animal Health Divisional Office to offer advice on the control of the disease.