FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE: EMERGENCY VACCINATION CONTRACTOR APPOINTED

Animal Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said:

"The Government would consider vaccination immediately in the event of any future outbreak of foot and mouth. This contract will ensure the capability will be there if it is decided by the Government that an emergency programme of vaccination can help to tackle the outbreak and its consequences."

Notes for editors

As required under EU procurement Regulations the contract went out to competitive public tender by way of a Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union in June 2003.

The contract will run for three years with an option to extend for a further 2 years.

The Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly were closely involved in the procurement of this contract, reflecting the GB wide remit of the SVS.

Genus Plc is a UK-based business, but operating internationally in the fields of cattle genetics and services, agricultural and development consultancy and the wholesale and distribution of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Genus Plc employs some 1500 staff worldwide, inclusive of veterinary personnel. During the 2001 FMD crisis Genus Plc was an active contributor in the effort to control and overcome the outbreak.

In its response to the two Inquiries conducted after the outbreak, "Foot and Mouth Disease 2001: Lessons to be Learned Inquiry" and the Royal Society "infectious diseases in livestock" the Government accepted that emergency vaccination should be considered as part of the control strategy from the start of any outbreak where measures additional to the basic culling strategy of infected premises and dangerous contacts are needed. This strategy should be vaccinate-to-live wherever possible.