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Marburg Virus

Volume 918: debated on Monday 1 November 1976

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asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline the dangers of the Marburg virus or green monkey disease as it applies to the import of monkeys into Great Britain; how many monkeys are imported into Great Britain a month from the virus area; and what action he is taking to protect Great Britain from this virus.

I have been asked to reply.Marburg virus disease is a rare communicable disease, which as far as is known is normally found only in Africa, and is very dangerous in human beings. It has also been found in vervet monkeys in Uganda and certain other African countries.All monkeys imported into the United Kingdom are required to undergo six months anti-rabies quarantine in Government approved premises which are supervised by persons with medical or veterinary qualifications. Since the incubation period for Marburg disease in monkeys is

PROPERTIES SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTS
PremisesNature of

holding
Future plans
1–8 Atholl CrescentCrownOther Government Departments and public bodies are being asked if they have a requirement for these premises before they are disposed of on the open market.
Lorne House, 1–2 Drumsheugh Gardens/29 Walker Street.CrownOther Government Departments and public bodies are being asked if they have a requirement for these premises before they are disposed of on the open market.
21 Landsdowne CrescentLeasedTo be surrendered to landlord when suitable terms are agreed.
45–47 Melville StreetLeasedTo be surrendered to landlord when mutable terms are agreed

no more than 14 days the only risk to human beings in this country would appear to be in relation to persons attending them in transit and during the early days of quarantine. These persons are aware of the dangers of transmission of various diseases from monkeys to man and take the necessary precautions.

So far in 1976, 42 vervet monkeys have been imported, all from Kenya; two for a zoo and the rest for research.

No case of Marburg disease has ever been recorded in animals or human beings in this country.

Passengers arriving in this country who have recently visited areas at present affected by a similar disease are referred by the port medical officer to their local medical officer for environmental health for close surveillance.