Animal Disease Outbreaks 2025-06-19
2025-06-19
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Questions & Answers
Q1
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Context
Following the National Audit Office report highlighting high risk and unpreparedness for major animal disease outbreaks in the UK, concerns over post-Brexit border checks and climate change impacts on biosecurity.
The recent National Audit Office report was hugely concerning, indicating that only 5% of animals are physically checked as they come into the UK, with illegal meat entering through ports. The farm animal veterinary workforce is overstretched, and issues like climate change and antimicrobial resistance increase disease risks. If foot and mouth disease hits again, it will devastate agriculture and food security. Can the Minister assure that these strategic national threats are treated seriously?
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, we take this matter extremely seriously; previous reports have highlighted similar concerns. We are giving careful consideration to the recent report and will develop a plan to address it. Balancing threats with measures such as restricting personal imports due to continental risks.
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We Are Committed
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The UK's bluetongue outbreak and the impact of inland border security measures on biosecurity.
Following the bluetongue issues, will we look to lower our biosecurity risks by returning to checking products at Bastion Point inland border security centre instead of having them travel nearly 17 miles for checks?
My hon. Friend's points about border controls and checks are under close consideration, partly due to our new arrangements with the EU. His suggestion is being looked at closely as a consequence of these changes.
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Under Review
Looking Into
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Q3
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The imposition of a veterinary hard border affecting Welsh farmers who move livestock back and forth over the England-Wales border.
Many Welsh farmers depend on moving their livestock across the border. The £70 testing cost per beast is unaffordable, and there's insufficient testing capacity anyway. What steps are being taken to address this situation?
The hon. Gentleman is right to ask about bluetongue management, which has been handled effectively. The decision in Wales remains a matter for their Government, but we are discussing how to resolve these issues.
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Under Discussion
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