Originally from: mona parr
                        
Animal Health Minister Elliot Morley today announced the laying before Parliament of Defra's Foot and Mouth Disease Contingency Plan.
The Plan was laid in accordance with Section 18 of the Animal Health Act 2002, which came into force yesterday.
Unveiled in a written Ministerial statement, the Plan sets out the operational arrangements Defra intends to put in place to deal with any occurrence of foot and mouth disease, and records the policy on which the operational arrangements are based.
It has been the subject of considerable consultation with stakeholders. As a 'living document', it is expected that it will be subject to ongoing revision taking on the latest scientific advice, developments in policy and comments from stakeholders and operational partners.
The Plan will be reviewed at least annually to meet the provisions of the Animal Health Act.
The Contingency Plan can be found on the Defra website at <A HREF="http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/contingency/contingency.htm"> www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/contingency/contingency.htm</A> with an e-mail box for comments