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Consultation on independent animal health body launched

foot and mouth signEnvironment Secretary Hilary Benn today launched a consultation to seek views on whether decisions about how to handle animal diseases should move to an independent body. The consultation will run until 30 June.

It is proposed that a new independent board be established to make decisions about animal health policy and delivery, made up of members with knowledge, experience and skills in the livestock industry, animal health science and welfare and relevant public health, consumer and wildlife issues.

In a disease outbreak, key decisions such as movement controls would be made by the Chair and Chief Executive of the new organisation, on the advice of the Chief Veterinary Officer.

Hilary said:

“Livestock owners are worst affected by disease outbreaks, and they are also beneficiaries from disease control, where their livestock might otherwise become infected.

“It’s right that they should be more involved in making decisions about how we prevent and handle those diseases, and contribute to the costs of collective action to tackle disease threats.

“This new way of tackling animal disease, which builds on how Government and the industry have worked together to deal with bluetongue, will mean that everyone’s investment in disease control is more effectively and efficiently used. We should see a reduction in the total levels and costs of these diseases.”

The plans, if accepted, will help to reduce the risks and costs of animal disease, improve confidence in animal health policies, and ensure the livestock keepers who benefit from animal disease control measures share the costs of those measures with taxpayers.

The proposals are in line with recommendations made by Sir Iain Anderson after his inquiry into the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 that those who gain from the eradication of these disease should help to pay the costs of doing so.

Further information

Page last modified: 30 March 2009 15:30
Page published: 30 March 2009 15:30