Is the present testing system the only strategy for eradicating brucellosis?
69. Mr Small: There are several strategies, one of which is testing. When there is an outbreak, we focus our attention on the contiguous farms, which are most at risk. The lateral spread of brucellosis is much more common than spread through movement of animals. As a precaution, we also identify an outer ring. That is one of the most effective ways of raising awareness. Our vets also provide advice at events that farmers attend. Our main strategies are testing and, if necessary, slaughter. 70. Mr Carrick: I would be interested to know whether there had been any evaluation of the cost- effectiveness of that scheme. 71. Paragraph 5.11 states that, in the three years after August 1996, when the current brucellosis epidemic started — the disease has been around for 40 years — the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development did not issue any general press releases on the disease: I find that amazing. Despite the historical evidence of the impact of brucellosis, its rapid growt
