Brendan Howlin
Question:21 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the provisions of the new master plan for combating a future outbreak of foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13976/03]
Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.
I recently published a detailed contingency plan and operations manual for the handling of any future foot and mouth disease outbreak.
This is the product of an in-depth review by my Department, in conjunction with other Departments and agencies who were involved in the management of the 2001 FMD emergency. At that time, the measures taken to meet the real and substantial threat posed to all sectors of the economy were swift, comprehensive and robust, limiting the disease spread to just one case.
It was imperative that we learn from our experiences in 2001. This prompted the re-examination of every aspect of the management of the crisis where successful elements have been retained and improvements made. Account was also taken of emerging EU legislation relating to FMD.
The new operations manual covers the full spectrum of operations required to successfully deal with a foot and mouth disease emergency. The diverse subject matter ranges from detailed technical veterinary elements, such as epidemiology, animal tracing and movement controls essential to the successful containment and eradication of the disease, to the operations of the Government task force and the management of public awareness and communications.
Any future outbreaks of foot and mouth disease may present a different set of circumstances but this contingency plan and operations manual will form the template of response and also provide the base for flexibility in that response in order to react as appropriate in a variety of scenarios.
The plan and manual are being distributed to all the relevant Departments and agencies and arrangements are being made to ensure that both are kept up to date with the passage of time and in compliance with any future EU requirements. Copies are also available on the Department's website.