To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many incidents of salmonella in farm animals were recorded in Wales in each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [34973]

The number of incidents of salmonella in farm animals in Wales reported to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under the Zoonoses Order 1989 since 1990, and up to 13 July 1995, are shown in the table:

Species	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995
Cattle and Calves	202	156	139	237	249	159
Sheep	20	17	13	14	30	36
Pigs	2	3	2	4	3	1
Poultry	135	95	45	43	16	4
Other Species	23	7	1	14	12	14
Total	382	278	200	312	310	214

The reporting system was enhanced in 1993. Data for earlier years are not directly comparable with that collected since 1993.It is encouraging to note that reported incidents of salmonella in poultry continue to decline. Recent data show that cases of salmonella typhimurium DT104 infection have been increasing in other farmed animals, most notably cattle. A case control study in cattle has been set up to try to discover why the incidence of this organism has increased.The Government remain committed to firm but proportionate action against salmonella and continued protection for the consumer while avoiding disproportionate burdens on producers.