Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Animal Disease Outbreaks

Thursday 19 June 2025 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The recent National Audit Office report highlights significant concerns about animal inspections at UK ports and the overstretched veterinary workforce.
  • The suggestion to return to checking products at Bastion Point inland border security centre is under close consideration to lower biosecurity risks.
  • The 70 testing cost per beast and insufficient testing capacity are issues that the Welsh Government is handling, with discussions ongoing to address these concerns.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
NHS Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)

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.

Partly answered

How: We Are Committed, Under Review

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Q2 Ben Goldsborough Lab South Norfolk
Immigration Environment
Context

The UK's bluetongue outbreak and the impact of inland border security measures on biosecurity.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)

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.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Looking Into

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Q3 David Chadwick Lib Dem Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The imposition of a veterinary hard border affecting Welsh farmers who move livestock back and forth over the England-Wales border.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)

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.

Partly answered

How: Under Discussion

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