Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 91948
Animals: Disease Control
Tabled: 18 November 2025
Answered: 25 November 2025
Question
Jim Shannon
Democratic Unionist Party — Strangford
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of legislation for animal disease risks.
Answer
Dame Angela EagleWe have a broad legislative base and associated strategies and contingency plans which enables us to protect animals, including livestock, from disease.
The Animal Health Act 1981, provides the legal framework for controlling and eradicating animal diseases, protecting livestock health, and safeguarding trade. It gives government powers to impose disease control measures, order slaughter of infected animals, regulate movement, and compensate farmers. Secondary legislation is regularly updated as needed.