Government responds to Anderson review of the 2007 Foot and Mouth outbreak
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today that the Government has accepted all 26 of the main recommendations made by Sir Iain Anderson in his response to the 2007 outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Sir Iain’s review found that “in analysing how the 2007 outbreak was handled, with its innumerable, interwoven decisions and actions, we found much to applaud, along with some deficiencies. On balance, the positive easily outweighs the negative.”
Sir Iain’s recommendations focused on eight main lessons:
- Maintain vigilance;
- Be prepared;
- React with speed and certainty;
- Explain policies, plans and practices;
- Respect local knowledge;
- Risk assessment and cost benefit analysis;
- Data and information management systems;
- Base decisions on best available science.
Mr Benn said:
“I am grateful to Sir Iain for his review and for his recognition of how Government and the livestock industry tackled the outbreak together. However, even though most aspects were handled well, I acknowledge that there are always lessons to learn and ways we can do better.
“Our response to Sir Iain’s review contains a range of actions, commitments and decisions, some of which have already been implemented and some of which are still in progress.
“Since 2007, we have dealt with other exotic diseases, and have applied what we have learned through dealing with FMD. As a result we are now better prepared. I am committed to continuing to work with the industry to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for future events.”
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) will continue to fund the Institute for Animal Health so that it can provide world class research facilities which strengthen both livestock industries and food security. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) expects the BBSRC to submit a business case soon for the redevelopment of the Pirbright site.
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Page last modified: 3 February 2009
Page published: 3 February 2009