My interest in this subject and the perspective I have formed are founded on my own personal experience of Bovine TB infection, in conjuction with Toxaplasmosis. A combination of events too rare to register with the medical collators.

  My own particular focus is on the ways by which such interlinked infections are transmitted from an infected animal or human to an uninfected one.

  The measures being adopted by MAFF are, in my view, not sufficiently scientific, being based on assumptions and speculation rather than hard evidence. Such evidence that does exist seeks to explain how badgers may infect cattle but not how cattle may infect badgers. My own hypothesis, based on personal experience of Bovine TB, strongly suggests that some form of tick was the agent of transmission. Ticks may well be the missing part of the puzzle. Their existence as infectors would account for transmission between the members of the animal kingdom under investigation.

  Can infection be passed from cow to cow? Has the recent BSE driven restriction on the movements of cattle seen a drop in the incidence of M bovis in the overall population?

  My experience convinces me that Toxaplasmosis is present in cattle. A former Member, Sebastian Coe has said that he contracted this infection from a tick, after running through pastureland. It is interesting to note that the incidence of Toxaplasmosis (Lymphadenopathy) is greatest in the South/South West of England.

  Is this infection present in large numbers of badgers?

  This could be important and not a red herring.

  As with Bovine TB the research into the agencies of transmission is limited.

  Research into transmission is, I believe, of paramount importance.

  Discover how this occurs and then the correct remedial action can be taken, whatever that may be.

  I am willing to appear before the Committee, if required.

6 January 1999