Originally from: Molly Maxwell
                        
----Original Message Follows----
From: ...

Originally from: "Ananova" <533...>
To: Molly Maxwell <...>
Subject: Food imports plea to thwart terror attacks – Ananova Alerting Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 08:12:07 GMT

The British Veterinary Association is expected to call for tighter controls on meat imports to thwart a terrorist biological attack using food supplies.

President David Tyson says the foot-and-mouth epidemic has shown how easy it is for infection to get into the country.

He claims If terrorists take advantage of weak import controls, then a human catastrophe could occur.

In a transcript of his speech to the association's conference, Mr Tyson says the Government needs to review the role of vets in the assessment of the quality of animals and animal products.

"The recent horrific events in America point to a much wider dimension concerning the need for adequate controls on imported food both on the hoof and on the hook. Terrorism could strike at people via food supplies as well as buildings."

Mr Tyson is speaking to the BVA's annual congress in Winchester, Hants.

A spokesman for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the the government had discussed the dangers with the National farmers' Union and veterinary organisations.

He said: "There are contingency plans against terrorism and to ensure the safety of food and water supplies."

*Foot-and-mouth story sent by Ananova

See this story on the web at http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_414870.html

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE BREAKING STORIES ON:
Farming
http://www.ananova.com/alerts/login.html?alertstring=3804

Terrorism
http://www.ananova.com/alerts/login.html?alertstring=1404

UK impact
http://www.ananova.com/alerts/login.html?alertstring=5156

CHECK FOR MORE ON:
UK
http://www.ananova.com/news/index.html?keywords=UK

Food
http://www.ananova.com/news/index.html?keywords=Food

Crime
http://www.ananova.com/news/index.html?keywords=Crime

Terrorism
http://www.ananova.com/news/index.html?keywords=Terrorism

UK impact
http://www.ananova.com/news/index.html?keywords=UK+impact

Farming
http://www.ananova.com/news/index.html?keywords=Farming

Foot-and-mouth
http://www.ananova.com/news/index.html?keywords=Foot-and-mouth

To register for more news, to remove yourself from this subject,
or to find out more about Your News service from Ananova,
Visit http://www.ananova.com/alerts/signin.html?fromemail=yes

Lost your password? You will need your password to access your registration. Visit http://www.ananova.com/alerts/forgot.html?mode=forgot to request a reminder.