Defra prepared to vaccinate – but not yet

In a statement it said: “The option to vaccinate is a central element of the contingency planning arrangements in foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks.

“The arrangements to enable vaccination were triggered again immediately following confirmation of disease on September 12. The Forward Vaccination Centre, with teams ready to vaccinate should the decision be taken, was in place by September 17.”

However, Defra said the decision had been taken ‘not to vaccinate at this stage', although it added ‘we retain the ability to do so should the disease situation change'.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds said: “Vaccination can be used as a disease control measure if it is demonstrated that steps in additional to the slaughter policy are required to eradicate the disease. Any decision to vaccinate follows the FMD vaccination decision tree in the contingency plan.

“In line with this decision tree, it has been decided not to vaccinate at this time because the risk of spread of disease outside of the Surrey area is still considered to be low at the present time.

“However, this approach will be kept under constant review as this is a developing situation and therefore the Forward Vaccination Centre will be kept in place.”

Defra also offered biosecurity advice to farmers:

• If you work or come into contact with farm animals, biosecurity means taking steps to make sure that good hygiene practices are in place. This will help prevent the spread of animal disease.

• Disease may not always be apparent, especially in the early stages.

• Be clean, particularly if handling animals or moving between different premises - if direct contact with farm animals cannot be prevented then it's best practice to cleanse and disinfect protective clothing, footwear, equipment, vehicles etc. before and after contact.

• A good biosecurity routine is always essential – not just when there is a major disease outbreak. You should ensure that work methods are designed to minimise where possible movements of people, vehicles or equipment into areas where farm animals are kept

• During an outbreak only essential visitors should visit any premises with farm animals within areas where restrictions are involved.

• Further information on biosecurity can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/control/index.htm

• Further information and guidance on the outbreak can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth

• The Defra public helpline (08459 335577) is currently operating from 8am-8pm weekdays and 9am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday for enquiries about FMD .