Control
EU Legislation
The European Union adopted a non-vaccination policy against Foot and Mouth Disease in 1992 (EU documents 385L0511 and 390L0423). Vaccination was not allowed and the EU had the status of FMD free without vaccination.
During the outbreak in the Netherlands in 2001, the EU gave permission for vaccination in order to contain the outbreak. All animals vaccinated against FMD had to be slaughtered.
Public outrage about the massive culling of healthy (non-vaccinated in the UK, vaccinated in The Netherlands) animals initiated a public discussion on the non-vaccination policy. As a result there is now a much more lenient attitude towards FMD vaccination than before. On 12 June 2003 the European Ministers of agriculture accepted new policy on Foot and Mouth Disease control in Europe.The new legislation was passed in September 2003.
New EU Directive 29 September 2003
In the new directive emergency vaccination is considered as part of a FMD control strategy.
Summary:
- Slaughter of infected animals and contacts still the principal control measure.
- No routine prophylactic vaccination.
- Emergency vaccination is now considered as part of a control strategy. To be used where measures additional to the culling of infected and contact animals is needed.
- Member states must have suitable arrangements in place for the possible use of emergency vaccination.
- New OIE guidelines for "vaccination to live". Livestock can be declared disease free 6 months after the last vaccination if the abscence of infection is demonstrated.
- Special measures for animals in zoos and wildlife parks.