DEFRA’s proposals for management of future outbreaks of FMD

On 7 November DEFRA published a “Decision Tree” for FMD control which is currently with stakeholders for consultation

The Decision Tree (Download PDF) outlines the measures that may be taken to slaughter or vaccinate animals in the event of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). An image from this document summarises the decision tree and has been reproduced here. The decision tree sets out the factors the Government will take into account in deciding which strategy to adopt in order to control and eradicate the disease in the future.

DEFRA is keen to have your views on the decision tree. Please let Robert Minthorpe have any comments you may have either by email or in writing. His address is:
Area 611
1A Page Street
London

The Animal Health Act (2002) is due to come into force in mid January 2003 (1, 2). The Act places a duty on the Secretary of State to consider vaccination as a disease control option.

The Animal Health Act 2002 also requires a Disease Control (Slaughter) Protocol for FMD.

A revised EC FMD Directive is due to be published soon.

It is assumed that the current DEFRA FMD Contingeny Plan (Download PDF) will be modified depending on the outcome of the revised FMD Directive when it is published. Hopefully it will also be modified according to the result of the consultations on the Decision Tree referred to above.

References

1. DEFRA News Release. 11 December 2002. Animal Health Act Comes into Force in January. (Click here to view).

2. Animal Health Act 2002. (Click here to view).

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3 January 2003

DEFRA’s proposals for management of future outbreaks of FMD

On 7 November DEFRA published a “Decision Tree” for FMD control which is currently with stakeholders for consultation

References

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