FMD Directive 2003/85/EC - Derogation for Zoos & Wildlife Parks
1. Species of animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are defined as any domestic or wild animal of the suborders Ruminantia, Suina, and Tylopoda of the order Artiodactyla. Other animals, such as for example of the order Rodentia or Proboscidae, may be considered susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease in accordance with scientific evidence.
2. Article 15 of the Directive allows special measures to be applied to certain premises holding susceptible species. These include zoos and wildlife parks in addition to laboratories and certain premises where animals are kept for scientific purposes or for the conservation of animals that are indispensable for the survival of that species/breed.
These special measures may include derogation from killing all susceptible animals if the premises become infected and consideration of the use of emergency vaccination if the premises falls within a vaccination zone.
3. As recommended by the Royal Society, individual zoos or owners of rare breeds would be responsible for applying for permission to vaccinate animals of susceptible species.
4. The decision to vaccinate would be considered in line with veterinary and epidemiological advice at the time of an outbreak. Such a decision would take account of biosecurity measures employed at the premises, including restriction of access.
5. The arrangements for the vaccination of zoo animals have yet to be finalised, however consideration will be given to the most appropriate personnel to handle such animals.
Background
6. There is no requirement in the FMD Directive (2003/85/EC) for zoo animals to be pre-registered to enable them to qualify for special measures. However, the Royal Society Report recommended that a list of zoos be drawn up so that they can be easily located in the event of an outbreak. Defra’s Global Wildlife Division have developed a database for England and are currently populating this with information received from Local Authorities.
7. The Secretary of State’s Standards for Modern Zoo Practice is also being revised and is expected to be published mid September. This publication serves as guidance to both Zoos and Inspectors on their responsibilities under the Zoo Licensing Act.
The current
version of the Secretary of State’s Standards for Modern Zoo Practice
is available.
8. In April 2001 the OIE undertook a review of the protection against FMD and the use of vaccination in special cases in relation to rare breeds, zoos, wildlife parks, rare genetic material, endangered species and animals in special research programmes. The outcome of this review concluded that the OIE code should be modified, where appropriate, to permit the emergency vaccination of certain rare or valuable animals without prejudice to the ‘FMD free without vaccination’ status of a country.
9. Article 64 of the Directive allows Member States to apply a derogation to the prohibition of exporting vaccinated animals if the vaccinated animal/s of susceptible species are kept in zoos and are included in a programme for wildlife conservation. This would be subject to appropriate provisions in the Animal Health Code of the OIE.
10. Separate arrangements will apply to pedigree collections of rare breeds of farm animals kept for breeding purposes.
FMD Science & General Policy
24 September 2004
Page last modified:
14 January, 2008