Fighting foot and mouth

It should be clear during the next few days whether the return of foot and mouth disease (FMD) will inflict lasting damage to the UK economy. The Labour government, which was accused of incompetence and complacency during the last outbreak in 2001, is desperate to nip the disease in the bud. The last epidemic cost the UK economy around 8 billion pounds.

This time, the first case was identified on a farm near Guildford on August 2, close to the site where FMD vaccine manufacturer Merial and the Institute for Animal Health are based. The viral strain exactly matches one recently used by the laboratories and the finger is being pointed in their direction.  If they are able to pin the source of the outbreak on the manufacturer, the authorities may well demand somewhat more than a substantial discount on the reported 300,000 vaccine doses ordered as a contingency from its supplier - Merial.  As the alleged perpetrator appears to profit from a catastrophe of its own making, biosecurity will go under the microscope.

Vaccination remains controversial. As in 2001, Brussels will be concerned that a widespread vaccination programme could cost the whole of the EU its international trading status as a disease free area. However, given the current 'belt and braces' approach, limited vaccination is likely: the vaccine is a perfect match for the disease, so it should be effective.  Vaccination will also avoid the need for mass slaughter, which turned the UK countryside into a giant cattle pyre in 2001.

In any case, the government will be asked to explain why risky vaccines are produced in the midst of disease-free pastures. Why not restrict these facilities to areas of the world where the disease is endemic and where the authorities are keen to use vaccines?