Vince Cable

Residents and friends of the Borough's Royal Parks - particularly Bushy Park - have contacted Vincent Cable MP about the risks of the Surrey outbreak - now on eight farms - spreading to the deer herds as a result of numerous cars and pedestrians passing through.

Vincent Cable has raised with Ray Brodie, the Head of Bushy Park, the risks involved and asked under what circumstances special precautions need to be taken to protect the herd.

Vincent Cable said: "The Surrey epidemic does seem to be spreading and, since the Twickenham half of the borough is in the surveillance zone, residents are naturally concerned about what this means for the Royal Parks. Closure would be a drastic step but, at the very least, I would have thought serious consideration should be given to disinfection baths for those coming into the Park.

"The Park's authorities tell me that it is very difficult to vaccinate large numbers of deer - more difficult than cattle - and they have to be individual caught, using darts to tranquilise them, and then tagged. The only practical precaution, therefore, is stopping the germs coming in.

"I understand that the Parks are following DEFRA guidance at present. If the epidemic gets any nearer than Egham, more drastic action will be required including possible closure."