None. Most mobile incinerators have a very limited capacity and are only approved to process less than 50 kilograms per hour and require a site specific licence. They are, therefore, not considered to be a viable disposal solution for most infected premises.
(2) what his Department's policy is on transporting animals culled for disease control; and if he will make a statement.
Strict biosecurity measures are in place for the transportation of animals culled for disease control purposes.
With regards to the recent outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Suffolk, carcasses were transported in sealed, leak-proof lorries, fully covered with securely fixed top covers or tarpaulins, to a plant in Staffordshire where they were rendered.
A number of measures were taken prior to the lorries leaving the infected premises to ensure that trucks were not overfilled and leaks did not occur. Prior to use, each vehicle is leak tested and visually inspected for defects. Before being licensed off the site, the external surfaces of the vehicle were sprayed down with an approved disinfectant as a further biosecurity measure. Each batch of trucks was also accompanied by an escort to ensure that the trucks did not leak, that material did not fall from the vehicle and that, in the unlikely event of an accident or incident involving the vehicle, measures could be taken to protect human and animal health and the environment.
Drivers carried a certificate of leak-testing and a transport incident record card which detailed the actions to be taken in the event of an accident or incident.