September 15, 2006

UK's FMD measures still lacking despite history's lessons

While this month marks the fifth year Scotland was declared free from the foot-and-mouth disease, critics are saying that lax measures are not helping to prevent a future outbreak.

Before it was put under control, there were about 190 cases in Scotland and 2030 cases of foot-and-mouth in the UK. More than one million farm animals were slaughtered to prevent the spread of the disease.

As meat sales plummeted, the industry suffered losses amounting to GBP 85 million pounds. (US$160.5 million). 

Despite the painful ordeal, partnership with the UK government and the farming industry to prevent the disease is virtually non-existent, according to Andy Robertson, chief executive of NFU Scotland.

In terms of FMD protection, the UK is still woefully exposed due to lack of government controls on illegal meat imports, he said.

While Scotland now has a contingency plan, the UK government is badly behind in its preparations, according to Robertson.

The National Audit Office estimates that over 90 percent of the illegal meat escapes controls, in no small part because the UK spends less than one-tenth of the money Australia, New Zealand and the US invest in border protection.

UK farmers are also upset that FMD, which has been active in South America since last October, did not hinder the large quantities of beef imported into Europe.