Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 October 2004. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 11 October 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what evidence she has collated that BSE exists in British cattle. - Inc fact that numbers of cases recorded on a graph will be made available in Library.

Answer: Mr. Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what evidence she has collated that BSE exists in British cattle. [189620] Mr. Bradshaw: BSE was identified in British cattle by the Central Veterinary Laboratory in November 1986. The disease is defined on the basis of its clinical history and the characteristic pathological changes that occur in the brain. Cases of the disease in Britain are confirmed by veterinary pathologists on brain tissue from suspect animals. Biochemical screening tests for the diagnosis of BSE from brain samples are also recognised within the EU and by the International Office for Animal Health. The occurrence of BSE in British cattle has been rigorously monitored using these methods since 1987. The numbers of cases collated are recorded on a graph which will be made available in the Library of the House. Further information on the disease and statistics in Britain can be found on the Defra website at: www. defra.gov.uk/animalhealth&welfare/BSE/statistics/BSE statistics www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth&welfare/BSE/ publications/progressreport

Secondary information