DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Version 2.5

Defra

Foot and Mouth Contingency Plan.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

INDEX

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

SECTION 1 – BACKGROUND

Outline of Policies and Initial Procedures

Command and Control

Gold, Silver and Bronze Commands

SECTION 2 – INITIAL RESPONSE AND INVOCATION PROCEDURES

Alert System

Alert State (Amber) - Action on Suspicion of FMD

Alert State (Red) - Action on confirmation of FMD

Maps of Initial High Level Actions following confirmation of FMD

Outbreak and Communications Structures

Involvement of the Armed Forces

Communications

Communications Protocol

SECTION 3 – INITIAL RESPONSE: ISSUES

1. Resources

1.1 Commitment to supply staff from Defra and associated Agencies

1.2 Identification of UK veterinary personnel

1.3 Identification of local practice veterinary personnel

1.4 Identification of overseas veterinary personnel

1.5 Identification of Regional Operations Directors

1.6 Identification of key admin personnel

1.7 Identification of general field and admin personnel

1.8 Identification of specialist staff (audit/IT)

2. Training and Exercising

2.1 Veterinary training

2.2 Private Sector Veterinary Training

2.3 AHO training in key emergency procedures

2.4 Induction Training.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

2.5 Media Training

2.6 Procurement Training

2.7 Contingency Testing

3. Accommodation

3.1 Access to accommodation/IT and communications infrastructure

4. IT

4.1 Disease Control System (DCS)

4.2 Financial database

4.3 Stock Control database

5. Procurement

5.1 National / regional/ local call-off contracts

5.2 Purchase / hired goods registers

6. Stores

6.1 National minimum stocking levels

6.2 Divisional minimum stocking levels

7. Disposal

7.1 Disposal Hierarchy

7.2 Access to Incineration

7.3 Access to Rendering

7.4 Access to Commercial Licensed Landfill sites

7.5 Transport

8. Serology

8.1 Serology capacity

8.2 Transport of samples

9. Management Information

10. Communication

10.1 Media

10.2 Website

10.3 Help Line

10.4 Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR)

10.5 National Disease Control Centre

11. Publicity and Disease Awareness

11.1 Awareness programmes

12. Inter-Agency/Stakeholder Involvement

13. Health and Safety / Staff Welfare.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

14. Animal Welfare

15. Cleansing and Disinfection of Affected Premises

16. Rodent Control

17. Financial Control

18. Vaccination

SECTION 4 – Strategic Level (Gold) Structures

SECTION 5 – Tactical Level (Silver) Structures

Annex A Devolved Administrations

- Scotland

- Wales

Annex B Roles at Strategic (GOLD) Level

Annex C Job Descriptions at Tactical (SILVER) Level

Annex D Format of FMD Daily Situation Report (Sitrep)

Annex E Contacts List

Annex F Regional Operations Directors - Emergency Contact

Details

Annex G Communications – Action by Communications Directorate

Annex H Organograms of Key Structures – NDCC & LDCC

Annex I Veterinary Risk Assessment and Protocol for Rights of

Way Closures

Annex J Health and Safety Plan

Annex K Procurement Guidance

Annex L Biosecurity Advice and Guidance.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Glossary of Terms

FMD – Foot and Mouth Disease

DVM – Divisional Veterinary Manager

ROD – Regional Operations Director

DOM – Divisional Operations Manager

NDCC –National Disease Control Centre

LDCC – Local Disease Control Centre

EA – Environment Agency (Defra Agency)

CCS – Civil Contingencies Secretariat (Cabinet Office)

RCU – Regional Co-ordination Unit (Cabinet Office)

RPA – Rural Payments Agency (Defra Agency)

RDS – Rural Development Service

SEERAD – Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department

WAG – Welsh Assembly Government

DARDNI – Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Northern

Ireland.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

SECTION 1 - BACKGROUND

1. This document forms Defra’s contingency plan framework for Foot and

Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks within the structure provided by the existing

EU approved contingency plan. It seeks to codify the experiences and

operational lessons learnt from the 2001 outbreak. It is a working document

subject to regular review and update.

2. The Plan follows guidance published by the Cabinet Office Civil

Contingencies Secretariat and Defra’s Emergencies Unit.

3. The Plan is split into sections which are designed to be removed and

used as ‘standalone’ documents giving guidance at differing levels.

•Section 2 provides an outline of the initial procedures undertaken in the

event of an outbreak. Greater detail of roles, responsibilities and structure

is given in other Sections of the Plan and in State Veterinary Service

Operational Instructions (VIPER Chapter 3).

•Section 3 provides an outline view of the main issues which arise during

an outbreak and serves as an aide memoir and a record of on-going work.

•Section 4 is a standalone document which is designed for use at the

Strategic level.

•Section 5 is a standalone document which is designed for use at the

tactical level. This may eventually be incorporated into the State

Veterinary Service Operational Instructions (VIPER).

4. This framework is to be used in conjunction with the State Veterinary

Service operational instructions (VIPER Chapter 3) which include detailed

guidance and instruction for staff in local Animal Health Offices (or Local

Disease Control Centres). This document does not re-iterate these

instructions.

What it does provide is a clear view of the structures, roles and responsibilities

required at strategic and tactical levels in order to support the operations on

the ground.

5. It is based on previous veterinary procedures and also incorporates

control policies that have developed during the 2001 outbreak and recognises

the recommendations made by the Official Inquiries into this outbreak. The

implementation of these policies will be subject to veterinary risk assessment

in the event of a further outbreak, to ensure that the response is

proportionate..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Outline of Policies and Initial Procedures

6. Suspected Case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) – ‘Report

Case’ (for further detail of local response procedures, see VIPER

Chapter 3)

•When suspect FMD is reported, restrictions are imposed on the farm while

a veterinary investigation is carried out.

•If samples are taken for submission to a laboratory, movement restrictions

are imposed on all livestock holdings within a radius of 8km around the

suspect premises

7. If FMD is Confirmed (through Clinical Examination or Laboratory

Test)

•A GB wide national movement ban of susceptible species will be put in

place immediately.

•Export licences for animals and animal products will be withdrawn.

•Diseased and other susceptible animals on infected premises will be culled

as soon as possible, within 24 hours of report. Dangerous contacts will be

culled as soon as possible.

•Disposal by incineration would be implemented immediately with rendering

and other disposal routes being available as an additional resource subject

to environmental, land use planning and public health considerations.

•A Protection Zone will be imposed with a radius of 3km around the

Infected Premises. Regular veterinary patrol visits of all premises with

susceptible livestock within this area.

•A Restricted Infected Area (a so-called "Blue Box) will be declared with a

minimum radius of 10km around infected premises. This will require

increased levels of biosecurity on farms, C&D for vehicles, people and

machinery moving on/off farms and movement controls for animals, animal

products, feed and bedding.

Footpaths would only be closed on the IP and within the 3km Protection Zone,

(A Veterinary Risk Assessment and Protocol for Rights of Way closure can be

found at Annex I).

Further action will depend on the circumstances of a particular outbreak and

depending on the scientific and veterinary advice. Additional options and

strategies which are potentially available include:

- emergency vaccination (either to live or to kill, within an area or in a

ring around an area);.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

- culling of other livestock exposed to the disease (e.g. premises under

virus plumes, contiguous premises); and

- (subject to the Government’s Animal Health Bill becoming law) pre-emptive

or 'firebreak' culling of animals not on infected premises not

dangerous contacts or not necessarily exposed to the disease, in order

to prevent the wider spread of the disease outwith an area.

If emergency vaccination is used it would be on the basis of vaccinate-to-live

wherever possible. For a vaccinate-to-live strategy to work, a number of

logistical, technical and trade problems need to be resolved in consultation

with interested parties.

Defra is consulting on a "Decision tree" for disease control strategies against

FMD. The paper sets out the factors the Government will take into account in

deciding which strategy to adopt in order to control and eradicate the disease.

(The "Decision Tree" can be found at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/footnandmouth/contingency/decision.htm)

8. Command and Control

The response to a disease alert will be controlled using the Gold, Silver,

Bronze command structure.

Gold Command - Strategic: Ministers, Permanent Secretary, All Directors

General, Directors of: State Veterinary Service, Veterinary Policy, Animal

Health and Welfare, Communications, Corporate Services, Finance,

Environment Quality and Waste, Rural Economies and Communities & Legal

Services A;

Representatives from: No. 10, Devolved Administrations, Cabinet Office (Civil

Contingencies Secretariat and Regional Co-ordination Unit), Environment

Agency, Countryside Agency, Department of Health, Home Office (and

Association of Chief Police Officers), Ministry of Defence, Department for

Culture Media and Sport, Department for Transport Local Government and

the Regions, HM Treasury, Food Standards Agency, Department for Work

and Pensions.

Silver Command - Tactical: National Disease Control Centre (NDCC). To

include representatives from other government departments, devolved

administrations, agencies and key stakeholders.

Bronze Command - Operational: Local Disease Control Centres (LDCCs)

under Regional Operations Director / Divisional Veterinary Manager control,

Animal Health Offices; To include representatives from relevant agencies,

local authorities, other key stakeholders and operational partners..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

N.B. This plan covers operations in England. See Annex A for details of the

contingency plans for Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland also has a

separate contingency plan, details of which are not outlined in this plan as

Ireland is treated as a separate epidemiological entity..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

SECTION 2 – Initial Response and Invocation Procedures

For detailed instructions, see Sections 4 and 5 (Strategic and Tactical)

of this plan and VIPER Chapter 3 (local instructions)

Please also refer to Section 3 of this plan for guidance on immediate

issues arising from an outbreak.

1. Alert System

1.1 Alert state: AMBER - Action on Suspicion of FMD

Any suspicion of FMD must be reported to the local Animal Health Divisional

Office (AHDO) of the State Veterinary Service who will take action according

to SVS Chapter 3 Instructions.

1.2 Upon receipt of a Report case, the Divisional Veterinary Manager

(DVM) will arrange for a Veterinary Officer (VO) to visit the premises, where

they will immediately serve Form A restrictions, advise the livestock keeper of

their responsibilities and carry out a veterinary inquiry including an

examination of the livestock.

1.3 If, at this visit, the VO cannot rule out the presence of FMD, they will

contact Defra HQ ( Exotic Diseases Division) to discuss further action,

including the taking of samples and imposition of movement restrictions within

an 8km radius of the affected premises. Either a Veterinary Adviser or the

DVHD or the HVD is available at all times.

This will trigger the following action:

1.4 Locally:

1.4.1 Animal Health Office Action:

The imposition of movement restrictions on all livestock holdings within a

radius of 8km around the suspect premises.

The ongoing workstream on revising Chapter 3 instructions aim to guide the

action on farm, the establishment of a Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC)

and communications required with the Veterinary Exotic Diseases Division at

Defra HQ.

1.4.2 DVM responsibilities prior to appointment of a ROD are detailed in

VIPER Chapter 3, and include: -

Overseeing action taken to deal with the report case.

Review Animal Health Office (AHO) structure to maintain essential functions

while dealing with the report case..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Inform local stakeholders (see VIPER Chapter 3 instructions).

Initiate internal communication within AHDO/LDCC and with the centre.

Secure appropriate staff, resources and facilities as outlined in local plans

(admin and vet staff, LVI’s and equipment).

Accommodation (including telephones and IT).

Initiate contact with local Contractors.

Contact centre regarding disposal options.

Arrange transport of samples.

Notifications (Local Authority/milk companies).

1.5 Defra HQ Alert state: AMBER - Action on Suspicion of FMD

1.5.1 Upon report of a suspected case of Foot and Mouth disease to the

Veterinary Exotic Diseases Division, a report form (NDI 1) is circulated

notifying key veterinary and policy personnel in HQ and the regions (see

Annex E).

The Head of Animal Movements and Exotic Diseases Division is responsible

for ensuring that the following personnel are notified on behalf of the Chief

Veterinary Officer:

The Secretary of State, Defra

Defra Ministers

Permanent Secretary and members of the Management Board

Director of Communications / Chief Press Officer

Duty Office

National Farmers Union HQ

The Head of SVS Contingency Planning Division will notify:

SVS Heads of Veterinary Service

Relevant Nominated Regional Operations Directors

Environment Agency Regional Duty Officer

Rural Payments Agency - Disposals

Head of Defra’s Emergencies Unit

Head of Legal DG’s Animal Health & Welfare Division

Cabinet Office – Regional Co-ordination Unit

Cabinet Office – Civil Contingencies Secretariat

DVMs

(Contact details are Annex E)

(Appropriate notification will also be made out of hours by the Duty VA

and Duty Press Officer)

Note: (i) In some cases where laboratory confirmation is awaited and the

veterinary assessment indicates an unacceptable risk in waiting, the CVO

may take the decision to move to Red alert before final confirmation is

received..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

(ii) In these events, Regional Operations Directors (initially Heads of

Veterinary Service) will be posted when the CVO takes the decision to move

to red alert.

1.6 To ensure a co-ordinated handling of the message, the

communications protocol at Section 2, paragraph 4 must be followed.

1.7 At this point, consideration will be given to the appropriate structures

that are likely to be needed at a national level (based upon risk analysis) to

ensure a proportionate response to the likely outbreak (See diagram below).

However, a National Disease Control Centre will be established in SVS HQ,

Page Street, London upon confirmation of disease. The map below sets out

the likely development of strategic structures to support the emergency

response.

2. Action on Confirmation of FMD - Alert State: RED

2.1 If the suspected case is subsequently confirmed by the CVO as having

disease or if the risk assessment indicates, the alert rate must increase to Red

and the following action take place:

2.2 Locally:

N.B. The current workstream on revising Chapter 3 will give detailed

instructions for implementation of control measures and guidance on the

establishment of a LDCC.

2.3. Creation of the Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC)

2.3.1 The Local Disease Control Centre will develop as the necessary control

measures are implemented.

2.4 Role of the Local Disease Control Centre

2.4.1 The overarching objective of the Local Disease Control Centre is to

manage and co-ordinate the tasks required to:

•Control and eradicate a notifiable disease outbreak

• Return affected premises to disease-free status.

The key aims for administrative and field staff are to work to support

veterinary and technical staff in the eradication of disease, establish effective

communication with key stakeholders and the rural community and ensure

value for money.

2.5 Defra HQ Action On Confirmation Of FMD - Alert State: RED

If the case is subsequently confirmed by the CVO, the following actions must

be taken immediately:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

See process map below for initial high-level action

2.5.1 The CVO (normally delegated to Head of VEXDD) will immediately

notify the Director SVS amongst others, which will trigger the establishment of

the National Disease Control Centre (see Section 5).

2.5.2 A list of contact details for key personnel (including other government

departments, the devolved administrations, the European Commission, the

Office International des Epizooties (OIE), key stakeholders and operational

partners) that must be contacted upon confirmation of disease is included at

Annex E. The Annex outlines those responsible for notification.

2.5.3 The Director SVS will establish the National Disease Control Centre

(NDCC) and the Head of SVS Contingency Planning Division will contact the

Heads of NDCC Cells. This will trigger the release of further key personnel for

both the NDCC and Local Disease Control Centre(s) (LDCC)..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Bronze

(Operational)

Command

Gold (Strategic)

Command

Silver (Tactical)

Command National Disease

Control Centre

(NDCC)(includes operational

partners & stakeholders)

Local Disease

Control Centre( s)

(AHDOs)

Vaccination Centres

Policy: Veterinary, Animal Heath

and Welfare, Environment &

Waste, Rural Affairs,

Disease

Control

System

Daily Sitreps

18.00

Stakeholder Group

- meets once a week Incudes 'other' Stakeholders, Defra reps are

Minister, CVO, CSA & Directors: SVS, AHW,

Communications,

Birdtable

Meetings

07.30, 12.00,

19.00

Exotic Animal Disease Control - Communications

Daily Emergency

Direction Group

08.15 - 08.45

-Tactical Issues of

the Day

DG OSD (Chair),

Directors: SVS, Vet

Policy, AHW, Comms,

Legal (A)

Daily NDCC

Reports

20: 00

Science Group

Chair: Defra Chief

Scientist

Animal Disease Policy Group

Chair: CVO

Senatorial Group

'Other'

Directors

Director FMD

Operations

(Director SVS)

report via

Director s General

Rural Issues Group

Chair: Defra DG LURA

Daily

Communications

Meeting

10.00 - 10.30 Dir Comms( Chair),

Perm Sec.

Minister( s), CVO,

CSA, Dep Dir FMD.

DEFRA FMD Strategy Board,

meets 15.00, as necessary Minister, Perm Sec (Chair), All DGs,

Environment Agency, Countryside Agency

Directors: SVS, AHW, CD, Finance

Government FMD Co- ordination Committee

- meets 09.00 (as necessary)

[Chair: Cabinet Office? Secretariat: CCS]

DEFRA (Perm Sec, DG OSD, CVO, CSA), SEERAD, WAG,

No. 10, Cabinet Office (CCS & RCU), EA, CA, LGA /

LACORS, MOD, Home Office (& ACPO), DWP, DoH (inc.

CMO), DCMS, DoT, HMT, FSA,.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

AHW DG Notify Ministers &

Senior Officials

Finance

Director

Communications

Director

DG - Legal

Services

DG Operations & Service

Delivery

Director SVS

(Director of FMD)

Corporate

Services Director

Permanent Secretary chairs

Strategy Board; Liaise with

Cabinet Office; Consider

need for Armed Forces

involvement;

Appoint Deputy

FMD Directors

Alert HsVS and

Call- up

contingency

ROD( s). Co-

ordinate

establishment of

Local disease

control centre( s)

Notify Chief Scientific

Adviser (OST)

DG OSD notifies MOD, CCS, EA,

OGDs and other key

stakeholders (as per contact list)

Alert GNN /

GICS/ NCC;

Prepare briefing;

Prepare media

handling plan;

Establish

Comms teams in

NDCC and LDCC

Alert Personnel

Division to

assist with call-

up of key

personnel, Alert

BEMD tp liaise

with NDCC and

RODs

Identify

Finance

Managers for

NDCC &

LDCC( s),

Alert PCD

and Audit

Legal

Divisions to

liaise with

NDCC and

AHW policy

Call- up key

personnel from

contingency lists

Map of Initial High Level Actions following confirmation of FMD Outbreak

Chief Veterinary Officer

confirms disease

outbreak

Notify Devolved

Administrations

Notify EC and

OIE

Director -

Environment

/ Waste

Director

Animal

Health

Director

Veterinary

Policy

Director Rural

Economies &

Communities

Government FMD Co-

ordination Committee( or

COBR) established

Chair: Defra or Cabinet

Office CCS

Establish National

Disease Control

Centre

Advise on

control

policies;

Liaise with

OST, OGDs.

EU and OIE;

Horizon- scan

Advise on

control

policies;

Liaise with

key

stakeholders,

OGDs & EU;

Horizon- scan

Liaise with

Environment

Agency and

NDCC

Disposals

Cell

Liaise with

Countryside

Agency and

other rural

stakeholders

and NDCC.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

3. Involvement of the Armed Forces

3.1 Immediately a case of FMD is confirmed, the Director General

Operations and Service Delivery will contact the MOD Home and Special

Forces Secretariat and the Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat in

order to notify them of the outbreak and to ensure that aid can be sought (if

necessary) with the minimum delay. Subject to other Armed Forces

commitments, aid will be provided under the ‘Military Aid to the Civil Authorities’

(MACA) arrangements. In particular, the Armed Forces may provide assistance

with logistic capability and it may be appropriate to deploy at both tactical (silver

command) and operational (bronze command) levels.

Contact details for MOD Home and Special Forces Secretariat and Cabinet

Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat can be found at Annex E

3.2 It should be noted that the Armed Forces will have their own command

and control structure with overall co-ordination of their effort being controlled by

Armed Forces HQ Land. It is not appropriate for regional staff to approach

Army Brigade headquarters directly. All requests for assistance must be

passed through Defra HQ.

3.3 N.B. Brigade Commanders will take direction (but not commands) from

RODs/DVMs. The local military commander will decide how to best use his/her

troops based on the advice and directions received. Consideration may be

given to asking for Military Liaison Officers in LDCCs to take on a local strategic

co-ordination function.

4. Communications

4.1 Co-ordination of communications issues is the responsibility of the

Communications Directorate. See Annex G for a detailed plan of action in the

event of a suspected or confirmed case of disease.

4.2 Communications Protocol – Laboratory Test Results on a suspect

case

This protocol governs the issue of the distribution and timing of release

(external, internal and operational) of information on test results relating to

animal disease (subject to Data Protection considerations).

Responsibility for providing and communicating information

Information on the identification of a suspect animal and associated laboratory

results needs to be shared and agreed among all the principals in the chain,

circulated and discussed, with others in the department, government and other

interested parties.

The principals in the chain are the following:

Internal: CVO

DG OSD

Director SVS

AHWD.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

LSDG

CD (and GNN)

Private Offices

No. 10

SVS Contingency Planning

Local (AHDO/DCCs – DVMs (& RODs if in post)

External: Individuals affected

Stakeholders (NFU, etc)

Public

Therefore, in the case of an animal disease, the CVO or his nominated

representative co-ordinates the dissemination of information on the

existence of a suspect and the status of laboratory results.

The following responsibilities should be observed: (both inside and outside

office hours)

•CVO (or nominated representative) receives information from the field or

analysing laboratory and makes it available orally and electronically to

internal Defra principals simultaneously.

•Principals in turn disseminate information to others within their internal

networks.

•Discussion, normally by conference call, as quickly as possible between

principals, led by CVO or nominated representative to discuss the

communications aspects. A separate meeting may be required to discuss

disease control issues.

The arrangements for convening the conference call will be undertaken by CD

(out of hours the duty press officer who will be notified by the Duty Veterinary

Advisor in AHWD). A list of contact names and numbers for internal principals

and their deputies will be maintained by AHWD and available from the Defra

Duty Officer and the SVS Home Duty Clerk.

The agenda for the communications teleconference call would comprise (with a

report from bracketed party)

1. Situation Report - national (CVO nominated representative)

- local (DVM)

2. Timescale (CVO nominated representative)

3. Risk assessment (CVO nominated representative/DVM)

4. Communications objectives (Director of Communications)

5. Stakeholder Handling (national and local) (AHWD, DVM)

6. Agreed lines to take/press notice (Director of Communications).DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

7. Time of release and action points (CVO Nominated representative)

The following then take responsibility for informing externally at an agreed time:

-ROD/DVM: individual farmer (ROD/DVM to alert nominated

representative and CD/regional GNN as soon as the individual is told and

before informing other external groups);

- ROD/DVM: local stakeholders and farmers;

- AHWD/DG OSD: national stakeholders;

- CD/GNN: media, website, helpline, intranet (and other internal

communications to Defra staff), GNN

N.B. All News Releases are drafted by AHWD in conjunction with CD and

must be sent to all internal principals (particularly the DVM, in order to allow

them to contact the individual concerned) before being released externally.

Questions about the state of knowledge about the results and requests

for information about the status of test results should be addressed to the

CVO nominated contact..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

SECTION 3 – Initial Response: Issues

1. RESOURCES

1.1 Commitment to supply staff from Defra and associated Agencies

1.1.1 In the event of an animal disease outbreak, the rapid emergency

provision of staff from within core Defra and its associated Agencies will be a

key factor in the successful and timely control of the disease. The Management

Board will provide clear direction to Divisions, Agencies and work groups, in

order that non-essential staff can volunteer their services and be released

quickly. (Administrative staff from other government departments will be

seconded under the arrangements at 1.73 below)

1.2 Identification of UK veterinary personnel

1.2.1 The State Veterinary Service will maintain a database of their veterinary

personnel who are able to respond to any animal disease outbreak. (All

Veterinary Officers receive induction training on dealing with exotic diseases).

On authority from the Director SVS individuals will be alerted with immediate

effect and deployed as instructed by Divisional Veterinary Managers. (See

VIPER Chapter 3 and local response plans). In addition vets from other parts of

Defra and its agencies, and from other government departments will be alerted

and deployed as appropriate.

1.3 Identification of local practice veterinary personnel

1.31 The Director of SVS has commissioned a review of the way in which

private sector veterinary resource is harnessed by the SVS to assist with

fieldwork in both everyday and emergency situations. The Department expects

to consult on new arrangements in the Spring 2003. Until new arrangements

have been made as a result of this project, Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVIs)

will be used as appropriate under existing arrangements. Resources made

available in this way will be supplemented by the appointment of temporary

veterinary staff.

Revised terms and conditions of appointment for the use of other temporary

veterinary resource, e.g. from Industry, veterinary schools and other sources

are being formulated.

1.4 Identification of overseas Veterinary personnel

1.41 If overseas veterinary resource is deemed necessary following risk

assessment and epidemiological advice, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) will

send a formal request to the International Animal Health Emergency.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Management Reserve Countries. The CVO will also send a formal request to

EU Member States if necessary. Induction training for incoming veterinary

surgeons will be arranged at London HQ through the Veterinary Resource

Division.

1.5 Identification of Regional Operations Directors

1.5.1 The Director General for Operations and Service Delivery’s office (DG

OSD) is responsible for identifying Senior Civil Servants who are equipped and

able to take up post as Regional Operations Directors (RODs) to lead the

LDCCs. DG OSD will maintain these details in a list annexed to this plan

(Annex F). See Section 4 of this plan for a detailed job description.

1.5.2 As soon as notification of a suspected case is received by the CVO or

Head of Veterinary Exotic Disease Division, the Head of Veterinary Service for

that SVS Region will be alerted by the Director SVS to be on immediate standby

to take up post as ROD. The contingency ROD for that region will also be

alerted to replace the HVS as soon as possible to lead the LDCC so that the

HVS can be transferred to strengthen veterinary management at HQ.

1.5.3 Contingency RODs will be allocated to one of the three SVS regions in

England and will be expected to take up post as soon as possible after

confirmation of the disease.

1.5.4 The DG OSD’s office also responsible for identifying contingency

Divisional Operations Managers (Grade 6) who are equipped and able to take

up posts working beside DVMs to manage the non-veterinary part of the

operation. Upon confirmation of a case a DOM for the region concerned will be

contacted by DG OSD and put on immediate stand-by to take up post as DOM.

DG OSD will maintain these details in a list annexed to this plan (Annnex F).

1.5.5 The contingency RODs and DOMs will establish effective links with their

region as part of their ‘everyday’ work objectives and training. This will include

spending a minimum of 5 working days per year in the region concerned, in

order to engage with the DVMs and key regional stakeholders. They will also

take part in contingency testing exercises.

1.6 Identification of key admin personnel

1.6.1 The National Disease Control Centre (NDCCs) and Local Disease

Control Centres (LDCCs) will require access to middle managers who are able

to take up key positions immediately on confirmation of disease. Their role is to

release veterinary resource from non-veterinary activities. See Sections 4,5

and 6 of this plan which define the initial and intermediate structures of the

NDCC and LDCCs. Key posts are identified, together with job descriptions and

Day 1 tasks.

1.6.2 As an interim position, Local Emergency Response Plans include details

of key personnel, together with key job descriptions. These individuals will be

called upon as soon as disease is confirmed and are expected to take up post.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

as soon as possible (within 24 hours of request). DVMs are responsible for

maintaining these lists.

1.6.3 The Director SVS will maintain a list of Defra middle managers who have

the required skills and experience to take up key positions in the NDCC. These

individuals will be called upon as soon as disease is confirmed and are

expected to take up post as soon as possible (within 24 hours of request).

1.6.4 Key admin personnel will be expected to take part in contingency testing

exercises. This should be written into their job descriptions and work

objectives.

1.7 Identification of general field and admin personnel

1.7.1 The NDCC and LDCCs will require immediate access to general field

and admin staff to support key personnel and veterinary colleagues in the

eradication of disease.

1.7.2 The Director General of Operations and Service Delivery will seek

Management Board authority to require the release of staff from Defra and

Defra Agencies to work on emergency sites.

1.7.3 Additional support staff may need to be drafted in from other government

departments. In this instance the Director General Operations and Service

Delivery will contact Cabinet Office Regional Co-ordination Unit and the Civil

Contingencies Secretariat to assist with the co-ordination of secondments,

initially through the Government Offices in the Regions (GOs). Concurrently,

Regional Operations Directors will liaise with GO Directors.

1.7.4 Having first sought clearance from the Director General Operations and

Service Delivery [or Director SVS], RODs may contact Regional Directors of

Jobcentre Plus (Department for Work and Pensions) in order to directly recruit

staff on short-term contracts. In this instance, guidance on contractual

arrangements should be sought from the personnel cell in the NDCC. The

Operational Support Secretariat of Job Centre Plus (Department of Work and

Pensions) may assist in brokering these arrangements and will be invited to

send a representative to the NDCC. (See Annex E - Contact List for details)

1.7.5 The SVS Personnel Unit at Worcester will advise on Human Resource

services for LDCCs and will provide one or more HR-trained personnel to assist

in setting up local and national HR teams. They will also maintain quality

control and provide policy guidance to local managers and HR teams on all

aspects of Human Resources.

1.8 Identification of specialist staff (i.e. Finance Managers, accountants,

auditors, IT and procurement specialists)

A workstream is identifying specialist staff, e.g. auditors, IT and procurement

specialists, who would be seconded to DCCs, short-term, to oversee the.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

introduction of procedures and systems. The key objective is to ensure

compliance with current policy and national and European directives.

2. TRAINING AND EXERCISES

2.1 Veterinary training

2.1.1 All new veterinary entrants to the SVS attend a one-day course on exotic

viral diseases at the Institute for Animal Health, Pirbright, in addition to general

and specific training related to all their work areas. This includes training in

notifiable disease procedures. Selected individuals also attend specific post-graduate

training, eg in epidemiology. Courses are held, as required, to ensure

adequate numbers of trained people across the country.

2.2 Private Sector Veterinary Training

2.2.1 The workstream referred to at para 1.3.1 is considering the enhanced

training of LVIs both in everyday and emergency situations.

2.3 AHO training in key emergency procedures

2.3.1 DVMs will identify individual Animal Health Office (AHO) staff to

undertake key emergency roles in line with the job roles outlined in VIPER

Chapter 3. They will ensure these staff are fully trained and equipped to

undertake their respective role and that their ‘everyday’ objectives include

reference to the key responsibilities required.

2.4 Induction training

2.4.1 The Director General of Operations and Service Delivery, Director SVS

and DVMs will ensure their permanent staff are familiar with this contingency

plan and the relevant local emergency response plans, VIPER Chapter 3 and

relevant Emergency Instructions; and business process maps.

2.4.2 As staff are recruited into local DCCs, NDCC managers must provide

sufficient induction training on emergency procedures. For key personnel, this

will centre on the job descriptions within this plan. Desk instructions for key

posts will be available in AHDOs (these should be regularly checked for

relevance). For other individuals recruited to support an LDCC, a brief outline

job description must be drafted. Managers must take time to describe the

jobholder’s duties, offer support and review the job role regularly. Managers

should consider establishing a ‘buddying’ system, whereby new recruits work

alongside existing jobholders to learn their job..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

2.5 Media Training

2.5.1 DVMs/RODs/HsVS should receive appropriate media training, in order to

deal effectively with the intense media interest surrounding an outbreak. A

short two day course, organised by Communications Directorate in conjunction

with an outside training company, uses broadcast journalists and a film crew to

enable participants to deliver professional standard broadcast interviews.

2.6 Procurement Training

2.6.1 Procurement and Contracts Division is establishing a training programme

for all staff involved with procurement (including those in LDCCs).

2.7 Contingency Testing

2.7.1 This plan will be regularly tested at both local and national levels through

simulation exercises using the key personnel identified. Stakeholders will be

fully involved in these exercises. It is intended that stakeholders, including

private veterinary practices, should be aware of Defra’s emergency procedures

and be fully involved in their on-going development.

3. ACCOMMODATION

3.1 Access to accommodation/IT and telephony infrastructure

3.1.1 DVMs will identify and regularly review the availability of potential LDCC

sites in liaison with BEM Division. BEMD has in place Facilities Management

Contracts covering all of England and Wales through which temporary and

other accommodation can be provided. Should further temporary

accommodation be required, as part of their local emergency response plans,

DVMs will also maintain details of suppliers and contractors.

4. IT

4.1 Disease Control System (DCS)

4.1.1 DVMs will ensure that all their AHO staff are familiar with the functionality

of the Disease Control System (DCS), requesting additional staff training from

SVS IT Branch as appropriate.

4.2 Financial database

4.2.1 A workstream is developing a generic financial database, which will be

rolled out to all AHOs. This system will be operational during ‘peacetime’,

therefore ensuring staff familiarity, with the facility to ramp-up during an

emergency..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

4.2.2 Following roll out, DVMs will ensure that the generic financial database is

installed in their AHOs and that staff are familiar with its functionality.

4.3 Stock control database

4.3.1 Following roll out, DVMs will ensure that the generic stock control

database is installed in their AHOs and that staff are familiar with its

functionality.

5. PROCUREMENT

N.B. Detailed Procurement advice and guidance outlining best practice for

Administrative staff will be included at Annex K

5.1 Detailed instructions and guidance for procurement professionals and

action by Procurement and Contracts Division can be found in the Procurement

and Contracts Division Contingency Plan.

5.2 National/regional/local call-off contracts

5.2.2 Procurement & Contracts Division are putting in place , regional and local

contracts with suppliers to meet the requirements in dealing with notifiable

diseases, and will review such contractual arrangements on a regular basis.

(Shall be reviewed by PCD). Consideration to be given for the suitability of

national contracts in order to ensure that the suppliers concerned remain

capable of fulfilling their commitments. A list of such contracts will be placed on

the PCD webpages at http: DVMs must liaise with PCD to ensure they have

adequate contractual cover in the event of an outbreak.

5.2.3 Local emergency response plans will contain a section outlining the

procurement procedure.

5.2.4 Purchase/hired goods registers

Following roll out, DVMs will ensure that the generic purchased/hired register is

installed in their respective AHOs and that staff are familiar with its functionality.

6. STORES

6.1 National minimum stocking levels

6.1.1 Minimum contingency stocks will be maintained at a central source

[Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Weybridge]. These will be sufficient to supply

equipment for 100 TVIs. Defra has a service level agreement (SLA) with VLA

which is reviewed regularly..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

6.2 Divisional minimum stocking levels

6.2.1 Each Animal Health Office holds sufficient equipment stocks to deal with

[10 disease outbreaks] in the first 48 hours. Additionally, each office holds

enough equipment to supply 20 TVIs during the first 48 hours. DVMs will

ensure that these minimum levels are maintained. Stock levels should be

managed using the generic stock control database (which will be rolled out to

Animal Health Offices).

7. DISPOSAL

7.1 Disposal Hierarchy

7.1.1 The Department of Health guidelines (published 24/04/2001) set out an

agreed disposal hierarchy as follows: -

1. Rendering

2. Commercial incineration (not air curtain incinerators)

3. Licensed commercial landfill

4. Pyre burning

5. Mass burial at Defra-owned sites and On-farm burial

However, policy developments and environmental constraints have altered the

preferred hierarchy as follows: -

1. Commercial incineration (not air curtain incinerators)

2. Rendering

3. Licensed commercial landfill (would probably need direction from the

Secretary of State)

7.1.2 A number of strategies are now in place to limit the numbers of animals

to be disposed of in any future outbreak and this should mean that these three

disposal routes would be sufficient. Although mass pyres will not be used in the

future, the use of alternative methods of disposal routes such as on-farm pyres

and on-farm or mass burial cannot be completely ruled out if demand exceeds

the capacity of the preferred options of incineration/rendering and licensed

commercial landfill. Any decisions to utilise these disposal routes will be taken

in consultation with key stakeholders and appropriate environmental and public

health assessments will be made at each disposal location.

7.1.3 Defra recognises that there are a number of factors that may impact on

the disposal hierarchy in the future. These include the implementation of

possible new environmental or waste management legislation and any changes

to capacity and accessibility of all the disposal outlets. This will mean that the

hierarchy will have to be regularly reviewed, in consultation with relevant

stakeholders, to take account of these issues. New technologies and facilities

will also be reviewed on a regular basis..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

7.2 Access to Incineration

7.2.1 Agreement in principle has been obtained with nine large animal

incinerator operators in England Scotland and Wales, to dispose of FMD

carcasses. The names and locations will not be released until all contractual

arrangements are completed.

7.2.2 Incineration capacity is limited and will only be able to deal with small

isolated outbreaks or the first few days of a new outbreak or disease

recrudescence.

7.2.3 As soon as a decision to slaughter has been taken, or where slaughter is

likely, the DVM or LDCC Disposals Manager should telephone: -

The disposal team in the NDCC

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) who, in consultation with the disposal

team, will allocate the disposal outlet taking account of location, number and

type of stock and spare capacity at each plant - see contacts below.

The national transport co-ordinator (If the call-off agreement for transport is

to be used - see transport section below) who can, in the interim, manage

the transport required (available at 24 hours notice)

7.2.4 The recipient DVM (for the disposal site) must be informed before the

transport leaves the IP.

- Transport will of course not be able to leave the slaughter site until it has been

fully cleansed & disinfected, it is therefore assumed that all areas continue to

have access to detox units.

- In the event of problems, a member of the Disposals team should be

contacted - see contact details below.

- Any queries related to biosecurity at disposal sites can be dealt with by Vet

Ops based in the NDCC who will consult Veterinary Policy teams within HQ as

appropriate in consultation with the DVM.

- The sending DVM must ensure that vehicles are properly cleansed and

disinfected and that the haulage contractors and accompanying personnel

follow strict biosecurity procedures. All vehicles used must be sealed and leak-proof

and accompanied by an escort.

7.3 Access to Rendering

7.3.1 A call-off agreement with a major rendering company has been agreed to

ensure a minimum lead-in time should there be resurgence of disease.

Additional capacity will be arranged in the event of a major outbreak, using the

RPA as brokers. Total weekly capacity in the order of 15,000 tonnes per week

could be made available. Transport will be provided separately through regional

contracts with hauliers, renderers and the knacker industry..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

7.3.2 DVMs will ensure they are aware which rendering facilities are available

to them in the event of an animal disease outbreak. The recipient DVM (for the

disposal site) must be informed before the transport leaves the IP.

7.3.3 Note that the arrangements and requirements in 7.2.4 above regarding

communication, biosecurity and transport must also be followed.

7.4 Access to Licensed Commercial Landfill sites

7.4.1 EU Animal By-Products regulation may preclude this option in 2003 and

beyond, although Defra is currently negotiating a derogation with the European

Commission. The Disposal team are negotiating, in consultation with the EA,

ESA and local authorities, structured agreements and national operational

protocols with licensed landfill sites. The Secretary of State may seek powers of

direction in the event of an emergency. Waste Management Division are

responsible for drafting the necessary statutory instruments.

7.4.2 DVMs will ensure they are aware which licensed landfill facilities are

available to them during an animal disease outbreak.

7.5 Transport

7.5.1 In consultation with the disposal team, the local DVM and disposal

manager will decide whether to use local transport contract arrangements or to

utilise the transport call-off agreement in place with 2 national haulage

companies. The duty officer will deal with requests for transport. On

confirmation of an outbreak, a national transport logistics manager, supported

by a regional transport manager(s), will be appointed and take over

responsibility for transport logistics and tasking from the local DVM.

8. SEROLOGY

8.1 Serology capacity

8.1.1 An agreement has been reached with VLA for them to provide

serological testing capacity for FMD on a contingency basis of 120,000 samples

per week at three laboratories. The first laboratory would be ready to start

testing within 3 weeks with an initial capacity of 7000 tests, 20,000 tests in the

second week and reaching full capacity of 40,000 in the third week. The

second laboratory would be operational within 6 weeks and a third laboratory

within 8 weeks with the same capacity build up. Full capacity of 120,000 tests

per week would be reached by the 10 th week.

8.1.2 In addition, IAH Pirbright provides a diagnostic testing service for FMD.

8.1.3 Personnel required to undertake blood sampling will be recruited and

trained under the co-ordination of the Veterinary Resource Division. Personnel.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

could be drawn from veterinary / agricultural students and from local Job

Centres.

8.2 Transport of samples

8.2.1 DVMs will ensure they have access to local couriers to transport blood

samples during an animal disease outbreak as per SVS standard instructions.

9. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

9.1 DVMs will ensure that appropriate staff are familiar with the Management

Information reports of the Disease Control System (DCS). This will ensure the

accurate and timely collation of statistical information for circulation to Head

Office colleagues and within the Divisional DCC itself.

9.2 RODs are required to submit daily situation reports (Sitreps) to the

NDCC Operations cell who will then circulate them to colleagues as appropriate.

These are required by 1800 hours. The sitrep format can be found at Annex D.

10. COMMUNICATION – also see Annex G

10.1 Media – also Annex G

10.1.1 News releases will be co-ordinated through Communications Directorate

Press Office. DVMs/RODs should ensure that they liaise with their local

Government News Network (GNN) representative to ensure that accurate and

timely briefings are given to the media and stakeholders.

10.2 Website

10.2.1 Defra’s FMD website is a key source of information in the event of an

outbreak of disease. It must be established as soon as possible. This is the

responsibility of the Head of Animal Movements an Exotic Diseases Policy

Division working in co-operation with the Head of New Media in

Communications Directorate.

The site will include: -

News and Information

A full list of Infected Premises (IPs) updated daily. This will not include

Contiguous Premises (CPs), Dangerous Contacts (DCs) or premises

slaughtered on suspicion (SOS) for data protection reasons.#

Full details of Infected Areas and Restricted Infected Areas (Blue Boxes),

including interactive maps

Full details of disease control measures and restrictions.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Advice to farmers, local authorities, and other rural stakeholders

Advice on rural activities

Links to relevant websites, (e.g. Meat and Livestock Commission, Environment

Agency, The Countryside Agency, English Nature, Food Standards Agency, the

Devolved Administrations, National farmers Union, Open Britain, Local Authority

sites, etc).

10.3 Help lines

10.3.1 Defra General Helpline 08459 335577 to prepare for intense public

interest, identifying staff resources/supplementary helplines plus briefing needs.

Plans to escalate capacity are covered n Annex G

10.4 Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR)

10.4.1 The Strategy Board meeting chaired by Defra’s Permanent Secretary on

Day 1 will consider the need to engage COBR or a similar inter-Departmental

co-ordination committee. A representative from the Cabinet Office Civil

Contingencies Secretariat should attend this meeting to advise on Government-wide

co-ordination.

10.5 National Disease Control Centre

10.5.1 The Director SVS will establish a National Disease Control Centre

as soon as disease is confirmed (see Section 5).

10.5.2 The NDCC has a pivotal role in providing information and an accurate

ground picture. It is responsible for co-ordinating the regional situation reports

and collating key statistics to be reported to the wider Government Community

and No.10. Key stakeholders will be present in the NDCC and will attend daily

‘birdtable’ meetings.

11. PUBLICITY AND DISEASE AWARENESS

11.1 Notifiable Disease Awareness programmes

11.1.1 Headquarters and DVMs, working with Communications Directorate, are

involved in the following awareness programmes: lectures/demonstrations to

veterinary schools, veterinary practices and agricultural colleges; direct mailing

to livestock producers and articles in the veterinary and farming press as

appropriate; and frequent contact through testing inspection and advisory visits

to livestock producers and those working in ancillary industries including

markets, slaughter houses and livestock transport.

12. INTER-AGENCY / STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

12.1 High level involvement of other government departments, agencies and

stakeholders will be agreed at the initial Strategy Board chaired by the

Permanent Secretary. Initially, requests for additional personnel will be

addressed to Government Offices in the Regions through the Cabinet Office

Regional Co-ordination Unit and the Civil Contingencies Secretariat. Other

requests for assistance and resources will be passed from DG OSD direct to

the OGDs concerned and copied to the Cabinet Office CCS.

12.2 The regular animal health stakeholder meetings will be upgraded in the

event of an outbreak under the chairmanship of the Animal Health Minister [or

as necessary by the Chief Veterinary Officer or the Director Animal Health

deputising for him] and will meet more frequently . Representatives from key

stakeholder organisations will be invited to attend going beyond agriculture and

the food sector to embrace wider countryside interests. The possibility of

having separate sub-groups to look at particular issues in greater depth (eg

trade; countryside access; tourism; etc) will be kept under review, according to

the scale of the outbreak.

12.3 DVMs will engage with local stakeholders as part of their routine

emergency-preparedness arrangements and where possible include them

in the planning and implementation of regular local exercises.

12.4 Local Authorities will form a key element of the emergency response

and, in conjunction with the DVM / ROD, will play an essential role in liaising

with local stakeholders and the wider community. They will have a role in the

enforcement of Restricted Infected Area provisions, the closure of rights of way

and processing of licence applications. DVM and RODs must ensure that they

make contact with their local authorities at the appropriate level (county/unitary

authority, and borough if applicable) as soon as possible after an outbreak

occurs. In particular, DVMs should work with Local Authorities’ Emergency

Planning Officers and Trading Standards Officers in order to understand their

local plans and response capabilities in relation to Defra’s plans, and also to

utilise their expertise.

13. HEALTH AND SAFETY / STAFF WELFARE

Also See Annex J

13.1 The Defra Departmental Health and Safety Unit (DHSU) and SVS VRT

Safety Team are the key safety professionals who must be involved in all

aspects of operational planning. They will ensure that all LDCC's have a

named safety professional to provide competent advice at all stages of

operations; as far as is operationally possible this individual will be located in

the LDCC and it is expected that provision will be made for this. DVMs and

RODs must ensure that the competent safety person is included as part of

their management team.

13.2 The Departmental Health and Safety Manager will operate as part of the

Operations Cell in the NDCC, providing health and safety advice at the strategic

level..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

13.3 All staff should be made aware of Defra’s Welfare Service which can

provide support and guidance in individual cases of stress or hardship.

13.4 A strategic health and safety plan in support of these arrangements has

been produced by Defra and is detailed in Annex J of this document. All

relevant personnel must follow these arrangements.

14. ANIMAL WELFARE

14.1 Provisions for ensuring the welfare of animals on-farm, at markets or in

transit (at the time of movement controls being imposed) are detailed in VIPER

Chapters 31 –34. Slaughter or killing must be carried out in accordance with

the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 (Inset 31 refers).

Provisions for emergency slaughter on farm for poor welfare are detailed in

VIPER Chapter 32 Section G. Procedures for slaughter / killing for disease

control purposes are detailed in VIPER Chapter 3 Section L.

14.2 Animal Welfare Policy Division and Animal Welfare Veterinary Division

hold suitable licences for the movement of animals and instructions for their

issue and use in the event of movement restrictions being imposed. Animal

Welfare Policy Division holds copies of advice to stock-keepers to assist them in

maintaining welfare in the event of movement restrictions being imposed.

14.3 The needs of animals and their welfare will be given early consideration

in the event of a disease outbreak or emergency.

14.4 Where possible animal should be kept alive and healthy where they are.

This is first of all the responsibility of the farmer, but there may be a need for

Government assistance possibly in the form of a fodder scheme and/or a

licensed movement scheme. Any animal welfare disposal scheme would be an

option of very last resort. Examining the options for such schemes and looking

at plans for implementing them will be the responsibility of the Head of

Livestock Strategy Division in consultation with the Heads of Animal Welfare

Division and the Animal Welfare Veterinary Division.

15. CLEANSING AND DISINFECTION OF AFFECTED PREMISES

15.1 Detailed guidance on the procedures for cleansing and disinfecting

affected premises can be found at Section N of VIPER Chapter 3.

16. RODENT CONTROL

16.1 Rodent Control will be carried out on infected premises, on behalf of

Defra, until the disease risk from rodents has been minimised (e.g. carcasses

and potentially infected feed have been removed during the Cleansing and

Disinfection procedures). This control will be by the National Wildlife

Management Team (NWMT) and will be co-ordinated nationally with staff.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

operating within, and reporting to, the Biosecurity Unit of the local LDCC’s.

Following this, responsibility for rodent control will revert to the owner or

occupier of the infected place.

17. FINANCIAL CONTROL

17.1 The Finance Director will issue guidance on accounting policies, financial

databases, audit trails, desk instructions and checklists on financial controls

including:

•Roles and Responsibilities of Finance Managers - and reporting

responsibilities (See also job descriptions in NDCC and VIPER

Chapter 3)

•Authorisation levels for payments, delegations, management

checking, write-off, over and under payment procedures in

accordance with the Department's Finance Manual and Government

Accounting

•Desk Instructions, check lists and the policy on the retention of

records

•Databases for finance information and statistics

•Chart of accounts, cost centre codes and objective codes

•Fraud guidelines in accordance with the Department's Policy,

including the process of dealing with allegations of fraud

•Budgeting, estimates and the monitoring of expenditure

•Liaison with the NAO, EU and Internal Auditors

•Liaison with the Procurement Cell

•Regular liaison with Department's Accountancy Services Division and

the Director of Finance and HM Treasury

•Provision of regular financial information

18. VACCINATION

18.1 Vaccination contingency plans are currently being developed in

discussion with a wide range of Stakeholders

18.2 In the short term ADAS will provide resource for an emergency

vaccination programme under a contract with Defra. This will provide capacity

to start a vaccination programme on notification from the NDCC.

18.3 Longer Term arrangements will be made through a commercially let

contract. This will be designed to provide an appropriate level of resource and

expertise to support the SVS and enable emergency vaccination to be used in

the future where appropriate.

18.4 The Government is currently reviewing vaccine supplies both at a

national and international level. The UK is a member of the International

Vaccine Bank, the EU Vaccine Bank and owns a national stock of vaccine..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

33.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

SECTION 4 – Strategic Level Structures (Gold)

Defra Gold-Level Plan – Exotic Animal Disease Outbreaks

Introduction

Background and Scope

Defra is lead Department for the control of Exotic Animal Disease outbreaks.

The Gold Plan forms a Section of the Defra Exotic Animal Disease Contingency

Plan. The Gold plan relates to the strategic level structures and functions

necessary for effective command, control and communication in the event of a

disease outbreak.

The Gold Plan defines the necessary structures, roles and responsibilities for

those involved in the strategic level decision-making process.

The decision-making processes at Gold level will be focussed entirely on

defining, reviewing and refining strategies for disease control, communications,

disposal, relief and recovery. (see Defra Strategy Board and Government FMD

Co-ordination Committee)

The Government Co-ordination Committee exists to challenge and ratify the

disease control strategies that are developed by Defra and to review and

develop other cross-departmental strategies taking into account the wider

issues affecting rural economy.

Stakeholders’ issues and concerns will be raised at a separate meeting and

tabled at Government Co-ordination Committee by Defra Directors General.

Tactical (Silver) issues will only be addressed at the Defra daily Exercise

Direction Group and National Disease Control Centre.

Operational (Bronze) decisions are devolved (in the main) to the Local Disease

Control Centre under the control of the Regional Operations Director.

Structures

The key structures are outlined below: -

(also see diagram at page 15).DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Title Defra Daily Emergency Direction Group

Purpose A daily forum for defining the major issues arising from the

outbreak and providing tactical direction to the NDCC

Meets 08.15 – 08.45 daily after initial confirmation of disease in

Room 806a 1A, Page Street, London

Activation

criteria

As soon as possible after initial confirmation of disease the

Chief Veterinary Officer (or his representative) will notify the

Permanent Secretary and agree the establishment and timing

of the Strategy Board and Government Co-ordination

Committee. Thereafter the CVO will notify the Director SVS,

who will in turn Emergency Direction Group members as soon

as practically possible (as per the Communications protocol

Section 2, para 4 of the contingency plan).

Timing: 08.15 (after the 07.30 NDCC Birdtable)

Reports to Government Co-ordination Committee, Daily Communications

Meeting, Defra Strategy Board, Defra Animal Disease Policy

Group, Defra Rural Issues Group, Defra Science Group,

Directorates involved with control effort (as required – e.g.

ITD, CSD,)

Directs National Disease Control Centre (via Director SVS),

Core

Membership

DG OSD (Chair), Director SVS, (Deputy Chair), Director Vet

Policy, Director Animal Health & Welfare, Director

Communications (or Chief Press Officer), Director Legal

Services A

Other

Members

Other Defra Directors (as necessary and invited through

Chair)

Information

received

from

Birdtables, NDCC daily report, Stakeholder meetings

Tools NDCC Report, Disease Control System (database),

Objectives - Share information between key tacticians (after NDCC

Birdtable 07.30)

- Identify the daily tactical issues that need to be addressed

and report upwards to Strategy Board for resolution on (e.g.

policy and strategic resourcing issues)

- Trigger establishment of Defra Strategy Board (if not already

established)

- Agree the tactical application of the strategies produced by

the Strategy Board

- Disseminate tactical instructions to the National Disease

Control Centre (NDCC)

- Consider representations (via Directors) from Stakeholder

meeting in defining the application of strategies

N.B. This is NOT the forum for discussion of strategic issues –

these should be raised at Government Co-ordination

Committee and via Policy Groups

Output - Report of major issues and key decisions on the tactical

application of strategies (owned by Director SVS) – sent to

NDCC Heads and Strategy Board members,

- Report of major issues and recommendations - sent to.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Government Co-ordination Committee,

- Requests for additional briefing,

Secretariat Director General - Operations & Service Delivery office

Key Contact Details

Chair (DG OSD)

(also Strategy

Board Member)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Deputy Chair:

Director State

Veterinary

Service

(also Strategy

Board Member)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director Legal

Services A

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director Animal

Health & Welfare

also Strategy

Board Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director Vet

Policy (DCVO)

(also Strategy

Board Member)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director

Communications

(also Strategy

Board Member)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Title Defra Daily Communications Meeting

Purpose A daily forum for considering the major issues arising from the

outbreak in order to direct communications (internal &

external) and provide a line for a media brief.

Meets 10.00 – 10.30 daily after initial confirmation of disease in

Room 806,Nobel House, 17, Smith Square, London

Activation

criteria

As soon as possible after initial confirmation of disease the

Chief Veterinary Officer (or his representative) will notify the

Permanent Secretary and agree the establishment and timing

of the Government Co-ordination Committee. Thereafter the

Director of Communications will notify the relevant senior

officials (listed below) as soon as practically possible and

agree their attendance at the Communications Meeting(as per

the Communications protocol Section 2, para 4 of the

contingency plan).

Timing: 10.00 – 10.30 (brief taken from 07.30 NDCC

Birdtable, Emergency Direction Group meeting and

Government Co-ordination Committee)

Reports to Government Co-ordination Committee, Defra Animal Disease

Policy Group, Defra Science Group, Defra Rural Issues

Group, Emergency Direction Group, Directorates involved with

control effort (as required – e.g. ITD, CSD,)

Directs

Core

Membership

Director Communications (Chair), Permanent Secretary,

Minister(s), Chief Veterinary Officer, DG Operations & Service

Delivery, Defra Chief Scientific Adviser, Number 10, GICS /

NCC, CCS,

Other

Members

Other Defra DGs / Directors (as necessary and invited through

Chair)

Information

received

from

Birdtables, NDCC daily report, Emergency Direction Group

immediate read-out, Stakeholder meetings

Tools

Objectives - Share information between key strategists (after NDCC

Birdtable 07.30 and Government Co-ordination Committee)

- Identify the key messages and issues of the day

- agree appropriate media handling for a briefing at 11.00

Output - Media handling position for 11.00 media briefing (owned by

Director Communications),

- Report of major issues and key messages – sent to NDCC

Heads and Government Co-ordination Committee members

and published on FMD website

- Requests for additional briefing,

Secretariat Communications Directorate.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Key Contact Details

Chair (Director

Communications)

also Strategy

Board Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Minister(s) Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Permanent

Secretary

also Strategy

Board Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Chief Veterinary

Officer

also Strategy

Board Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Chief Scientific

Adviser

also Strategy

Board Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director General

Operations &

Service Delivery

also Strategy

Board Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Number10 Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

GICS / NCC Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

CCS Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Title Government FMD Co-ordination Committee

Purpose The forum for reviewing strategies in a wider Government

context and for dealing with operational strategy issues that

affect other Government Departments

Meets 09.00 as necessary, in Room 808 Nobel House, 17, Smith

Square, London or COBR

Activation

criteria

As soon as possible after initial confirmation of disease the

Chief Veterinary Officer (or his representative) will notify the

Permanent Secretary. The Permanent Secretary’s office will

notify other Departments’ Permanent Secretaries by e-mail.

This will be followed by [GICS] briefing provided to OGDs via

Defra Communications Directorate

Timing: 09.00

Directs - other Government Departments

- Defra daily Emergency Direction Group

- Defra Strategy Board

Core

Membership

Chair: Cabinet Office or Defra DG OSD? Secretariat: CCS]

DEFRA (Permanent Secretary, DG OSD , CVO, CSA),

SEERAD, WAG, Number 10, Cabinet Office (CCS, RCU,

Econ/Domestic Sec.), EA, CA, LGA / LACORS, MOD, Home

Office (& ACPO), DWP, DoH (inc. CMO), DCMS, DfT, HMT,

FSA,

Other

Members

N/A

Information

received

from

Defra Strategy Board Report, [NDCC daily report], NDCC

representatives

Tools N/A

Objectives - Receive Defra position on strategic issues for consideration

of its wider implications and for refinement if necessary; in

particular strategies for relief and recovery,

- consideration and development of operational strategy

development to ensure a government-wide approach to the

emergency

- Consider representations (via Directors General) from

Stakeholder Meetings when developing strategies

- Report back to Defra Strategy Board

- Reports forward to the Defra daily Emergency Direction

Group on any issues affecting tactical control through the

NDCC

- Reports to home departments and the centre

This a forum for strategic discussion – operational issues

should be raised through representation at National Disease

Control Centre.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Output - Committee Report of key decisions on Strategies - reports

(requiring action) to Defra Strategy Board, Defra Emergency

Direction Group and OGDs

- and / or Minutes of meetings,

- Requests for additional briefing, -

Secretariat Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat

Key Contact Details

Chair

(Permanent

Secretary –

Cabinet Office?)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Deputy

(Defra DG OSD)

also Strategy Board and

EDG Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Defra Permanent

Secretary

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Defra Chief

Veterinary Officer

also Strategy Board

Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Defra Chief

Scientific Adviser

also Strategy Board

Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Title Defra Strategy Board

Purpose The strategic decision-making body in Defra

Meets 15.00 (Routine) and meets as soon as possible after initial

confirmation of disease and then as necessary in Room 806

Nobel House, 17, Smith Square, London

Activation

criteria

As soon as possible after initial confirmation of disease the

Chief Veterinary Officer (or his representative) will notify the

Permanent Secretary and agree the establishment and timing

of the Strategy Board and the Government Co-ordination

Committee. Thereafter the CVO will notify Strategy Board

members as soon as practically possible (as per the

Communications protocol Section 2, para 4 of the contingency

plan).

Timing: 15.00

Reports to - Secretary of State and Defra Ministers

- Reports forward to the Government FMD Co-ordination

Committee

Directs Defra daily Emergency Direction Group

Core

Membership

[Minister], Permanent Secretary (Chair) , DG OSD (Deputy

Chair) All Defra Directors General, Environment Agency,

Countryside Agency, Directors: SVS, AHW, CD, Finance,

Legal Services A

[N.B. A minimum of DGOSD, CVO, CSA, Directors: SVS,

Legal Services A (or DGLS) & CD (or their deputies) are

required for a quorum]

Other

Members

Other Defra Directors (as invited)

Information

received

from

Birdtables, NDCC daily report, Animal Disease Policy Group,

Science Group, Rural Issues Group, Government FMD Co-ordination

Committee, Emergency Direction Group report,

Finance Report (from Director of Finance)

N.B. Directors should raise issues for consideration at the

Strategy Board through their Directors General using the

report form at XXXX

Tools (Template for meeting provided below), Decision Tree for

Control Strategies,

Objectives - Liaise with Cabinet Office on input to the Government FMD

Co-ordination Committee (and who should Chair)

- Consider advice/recommendations from Defra Emergency

Direction Group

- Agree appropriate strategies for disease control and their

application, taking into account the impact of these upon the

rural economy

- Develop existing strategies in response to the developing

disease situation and advice received from policy fora (Animal

Disease Policy Group, Science Group, Government FMD Co-ordination

Committee)

- Consider representations (via Directors) from Stakeholder.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Meetings when developing strategies

- Horizon scanning for future scenarios that may have an

impact on strategies

This is NOT the forum for discussion of operational or tactical

issues – these should be dealt with at the daily Emergency

Direction Group

Output - Strategy Board Report, (notes of key decisions on strategies,

including background information)

- and/or Minutes of meetings,

- Requests for additional briefing,

- Reports to Government FMD Co-ordination Committee and

Emergency Direction Group (requiring action)

Secretariat Permanent Secretary’s Office

Key Contact Details

Chair

(Permanent

Secretary)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Deputy

(DG OSD)

also EDG Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Minister Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Chief Veterinary

Officer

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Chief Scientific

Adviser

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

DG Environment Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

DG Food,

Farming,

Fisheries,

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

DG Land Use

Rural Affairs

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

DG Legal

Services

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director State

Veterinary

Service

(also EDG Member)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director Animal

Health & Welfare

(also EDG Member)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director Vet

Policy (DCVO)

(also EDG Member)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director Finance,

Planning &

Resources

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director

Communications

(also EDG Member)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Environment

Agency

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Countryside

Agency

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Agenda for the first Defra Strategy Board Meeting

Chair: Permanent Secretary (or nominee [DG OSD])

Membership: [Minister], (DG OSD – Deputy Chair) All Directors General,

Environment Agency, [Countryside Agency], Directors: SVS, AHW, CD,

Finance

[N.B. A minimum of DG OSD, CVO, CSA, Directors: SVS, Legal Services A (or

DGLS) & CD (or their deputies) are required for a quorum]

1. Disease and Epidemiology – current situation

2. Action taken and its implications

3. Operational Organisation – current situation

4. Proposals for future action (including communications internal and

external)

5. Devolved Administration Issues

6. EU / International Issues

7. AOB

8. Date / Time of Next Meeting.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Template for First Report to DEFRA Strategy Board Meeting

(See also AMED Notification Proforma NDI 1)

Chair: Permanent Secretary (or nominee [DG OSD])

Membership: [Minister], (DG OSD – Deputy Chair) All Directors General,

Environment Agency, [Countryside Agency], Directors: SVS, AHW, CD,

Finance

[N.B. A minimum of DG OSD, CVO, CSA, Directors: SVS, Legal Services A (or

DGLS) & CD (or their deputies) are required for a quorum]

Issue: Report of Notifiable Exotic Animal Disease

(Suspected / Confirmed / Negative)

Facts: (Possible) diagnosis of –

Name of Disease:

Disease symptoms:

(use layman’s terms)

Samples taken to lab on:

(Diagnosis on basis of clinical symptoms or Lab test):

Name of Proprietor / Owner / Stockholder: (or ‘location’ for data

protection issues)

Address:

Decisions taken/decisions to be taken

SVS Division Dealing:

Name of DVM (or their nominee):

Name of SVS Region Head of Veterinary Services:

Names of Policy Leads: - Confirmation of Disease:

- Vaccination:

Name of SVS HQ Lead:

Epidemiology:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Animals slaughtered:

Provide a summary of the disease outbreak:

Have contingency plans been invoked? To what extent? (Provide a

summary of restrictions imposed, implementation of Contingency Plan –

what action has been taken so far)

Likely Scenarios: (Although limited information is likely to be available,

should consider likely scenarios and their impact on the issues

highlighted below, challenge assumptions, horizon scan for future risks

likely to affect current strategies)

Issues:

Outline of Risks:

Are there adequate resources?

E.g. Vets

Administrators

Case Officers

Bleeders

DGs to consider release of (i) key personnel as identified in contingency

arrangements, (ii) other personnel as requested

Impact on DG’s business plans as a result of resource reallocation

Vaccination: Vaccine

Vaccination Kits

Vaccinators

What is the lead-in time?

Armed Forces involvement?

Required level of enforcement of local restrictions?

Who will enforce?

Define Strategy for:

•Disease Control (see Disease Control Decision Matrix at Annex ?)

Consider: Set control targets - Likely timelines

Restricted Infected Area status

Impact on rural economy / communities.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Impact on Environment / Environmental Factors

•Media Handling

Notification Checklist: (as per responsibilities outlined in contingency plan)

Number 10

Cabinet Office – Permanent Secretary

Civil Contingencies Secretariat

Regional Co-ordination Unit

SEERAD

WAG

DARDNI

FSA

OST – Chief Scientific Advisor

MOD

HMT – EFRA

DCMS

DoT

European Commission

OIE

DWP – Jobcentreplus

Environment Agency

Countryside Agency

Rural Payments Agency

National Farmers Union.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Title Defra Science Group

Purpose To provide independent science advice to the Government

Co-ordination Committee and challenge strategic assumptions

Meets As necessary (and initially after the first Government Co-ordination

Committee) in Room 806 Nobel House, 17, Smith

Square, London

Activation

criteria

As soon as possible after initial confirmation of disease the

Chief Veterinary Officer (or his representative) will notify the

Permanent Secretary. Thereafter the CVO will notify Strategy

Board members (including the CSA) as soon as practically

possible (as per the Communications protocol Section 2, para

4 of the contingency plan). This will trigger the CSA to alert

Science Group members (as below).

Timing: Science Group will meet after the first Government

Co-ordination Committee. Time: to be agreed

Reports to Government Co-ordination Committee & Defra Strategy Board

Core

Membership

Defra Chief Scientific Adviser (Chair), Members of the Science

Advisory Council Animal Disease Sub-Group augmented by

experts from their emergency stand-by list (including EU

experts who may be accessed through protected internet link).

Other

Members

CVO’s representative, Science Directorate Officials, and

representatives from MoD, OST, CCS, FSA, EA, DoH & PHLS

as appropriate. Other technical experts, including those with

relevant industry expertise may be asked to provide briefing on

specific issues.

Information

received

from

NDCC daily report, Disease Control System (database),

Epidemiology (Interspread) model(s), Met Office, ‘other’

models, Animal Disease Policy Group, Defra Rural Issues

Group, Defra Strategy Board, Government FMD Co-ordination

Committee,

Tools Disease Control System (database), Epidemiology model(s),

Met Office and ‘other’ models,

Objectives - Advises the Government Co-ordination Committee on the

science relating to disease control, carcass disposal and farm

restoration and its implications, in order that the Committee

can develop appropriate strategies

- Challenges assumptions within strategy development

- Horizon scanning for future scenarios that may have an

impact on strategies

- Close liaison with Animal Disease Policy Group (to avoid

overlap and gaps)

Output - Notes of advice and key decisions, and background

information in support of these;

- Minutes of meetings,

Secretariat Chief Scientific Adviser’s office

Key Contact Details

Chief Scientific

Adviser (Chair)

also Strategy Board

Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Title Defra Animal Disease Policy Group

Purpose To provide disease control advice and policy

recommendations to the Government Co-ordination

Committee and challenge strategic assumptions

Meets As necessary (and initially after the first Defra Strategy Board /

Government Co-ordination Committee) in Room XXX, 1A

Page Street, London

Activation

criteria

As soon as possible after initial confirmation of disease the

Chief Veterinary Officer (or his representative) will notify the

Permanent Secretary. Thereafter the CVO will notify Strategy

Board members (including the Directors of Veterinary Policy

and Animal Health and Welfare) as soon as practically

possible (as per the Communications protocol Section 2, para

4 of the contingency plan). This will trigger the Director

Veterinary Policy to alert other Animal Disease Policy Group

members (as below).

Timing: Animal Disease Policy Group will meet after the first

Defra Strategy Board. Time: to be agreed

Reports to Defra Strategy Board

Core

Membership

Defra Chief Veterinary Officer (Chair), Defra Chief Scientist’s

representative, Director Vet Policy, Director Animal Health and

Welfare, Head of Epidemiology (VLA), Head of LSDG Animal

Health & Welfare Division (or Director Legal Services A)

others to be confirmed

Other

Members

External Membership to be confirmed

Information

received

from

NDCC daily report, , Defra Science Group, Defra Rural Issues

Group, Defra Strategy Board, Government FMD Co-ordination

Committee,

Tools Disease Control System (database), Epidemiology model(s)

e.g. Interspread, Met Office and ‘other’ models

Objectives - Advises the Government Co-ordination Committee on

disease control policy, in order that the board can develop

appropriate strategies

- Challenges assumptions within strategy development

- Horizon scanning for future scenarios that may have an

impact on strategies

Output - Notes of advice and key decisions, and background

information in support of these;

- Minutes of meetings,

Secretariat Chief Veterinary Officer’s office.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Key Contact Details

Chief Veterinary

Officer (Chair)

also Strategy Board

Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director Vet

Policy (Deputy)

also EDG Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director Animal

Health and

Welfare (Deputy)

also EDG Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Head of

Epidemiology

(VLA),

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Title Defra Rural Issues Group

Purpose To provide advice and policy recommendations on rural

issues to the Government Co-ordination Committee and

challenge strategic assumptions

Meets As necessary and initially after the first Defra Strategy Board /

Government Co-ordination Committee in Room 806 Nobel

House, 17, Smith Square, London

Activation

criteria

As soon as possible after initial confirmation of disease the

Chief Veterinary Officer (or his representative) will notify the

Permanent Secretary. Thereafter the CVO will notify Strategy

Board members (including the Director General LURA) as

soon as practically possible (as per the Communications

protocol Section 2, para 4 of the contingency plan). This will

trigger the Director General LURA to alert Rural Issues Group

members (as below).

Timing: Rural Issues Group will meet after the first Defra

Strategy Board. Time: to be agreed

Reports to Government Co-ordination Committee & Defra Strategy Board

Core

Membership

Director General Land Use & Rural Affairs, Director Rural

Economies & Communities, Director Land Management &

Rural Development, Countryside Agency, Cabinet Office

Regional Co-ordination Unit, others to be confirmed

Other

Members

External Membership to be confirmed, e.g. DCMS, DTI, Home

Office, DWP (Jobcentre Plus),

Information

received

from

NDCC daily report, , Defra Science Group, Defra Rural Issues

Group, Defra Strategy Board, Government FMD Co-ordination

Committee,

Tools N/A

Objectives - Advises the Government Co-ordination Committee on

policies affecting rural communities and industries, including

carcass disposal and farm restoration,

- Challenges assumptions within strategy development

- Horizon scanning for future scenarios that may have an

impact on strategies

Output - Notes of advice and key decisions, and background

information in support of these;

- Minutes of meetings,

Secretariat Director General LURA office.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Key Contact Details

Director General

Land Use & Rural

Affairs (Chair)

also Strategy Board

Member

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director - Rural

Economies &

Communities

(Deputy)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director - Land

Management &

Rural

Development

(Deputy)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Countryside

Agency

(also Government Co-ordination

Committee

member)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Cabinet Office

Regional Co-ordination

Unit (also

Government Co-ordination

Committee

member)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Title External Stakeholder Meeting

Purpose To provide stakeholders with a forum for discussing and

influencing policy developments and to help steer the strategic

direction

Meets Meets (suggested once a week) in Room 808 Nobel House,

17, Smith Square, London

Activation

criteria

By open invitation, managed by Communications Directorate

Reports to - Reports back (via Defra Directors General) to Government

Co-ordination Committee and Emergency Direction Group

Core

Membership

Minister (Chair), Defra Chief Scientist or Deputy, Defra Chief

Veterinary Officer or Deputy, Defra Directors:- Animal Health

and Welfare, Communications, State Veterinary Service (or

their Deputies), Environment Agency, Countryside Agency,

Stakeholders (by open invitation)

N.B. Key Stakeholders and Operational Partners have

representation within the NDCC and LDCC(s) for input into

tactical and operational decision-making.

Other

Members

Other Government Departments (as necessary) [inc.

Department of Health, Food Standards Agency]

Information

received

from

Defra Strategy Board Report, Stakeholders

Tools N/A

Objectives - Discuss strategy development and provides a forum to raise

concerns and issues

- Offer constructive input to policy development via Defra

Directors

Output - Minutes of meetings,

- Requests for additional briefing,

- Report (via Defra Directors) to Strategy Board, Defra

Emergency Direction Group and OGDs (requiring action)

Secretariat Minister’s Office or AHW Directorate General.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Key Contact Details

Chair (Defra DG

OSD)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Deputy

(Director

Communications)

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director State

Veterinary

Service

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Director Animal

Health and

Welfare,

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Countryside

Agency

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Stakeholders See attached list.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Title Senatorial Group

Purpose "To provide independent advice to the Prime Minister and

Cabinet"

Meets

Activation

criteria

Reports to

Core

Membership

Other

Members

Information

received

from

Tools

Objectives - Discuss and challenge strategy development and provides

an independent forum to raise concerns and issues

Output

Secretariat

Key Contact Details

Name

Work Tel:

Home Tel:

Mobile:

E-mail:.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

SECTION 5 – Tactical Level Structures (Silver)

Defra Silver-Level Plan – Exotic Animal Disease Outbreaks

Introduction

Background and Scope

Defra is lead Department for the control of Exotic Animal Disease

outbreaks. The Silver Plan forms a Section of the Defra Exotic Animal

Disease Contingency Plan. The Silver plan relates to the tactical-level

structures and functions necessary for effective command, control and

communication in the event of a disease outbreak.

The Silver Plan defines the necessary structures, roles and responsibilities for

those involved in the tactical-level decision-making process.

The decision-making processes at Silver level will be focussed entirely on

defining, reviewing and refining the tactical approach to disease control,

communications, disposal, relief and recovery.

Stakeholders’ issues and concerns will be raised at a [weekly] Stakeholder

meeting and by their representatives within both the National and Local Disease

Control Centres.

Strategic (Gold) issues will only be addressed at the Defra Strategy Board and

Government Co-ordination Committee [or COBR].

Tactical (Silver) issues will only be addressed at the Defra daily Exercise

Direction Group and National Disease Control Centre.

Operational (Bronze) decisions are devolved (in the main) to the Local Disease

Control Centre under the control of the Regional Operations Director.

Structures

The key structures are outlined below: -.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

National Disease Control Centre

N.B. Further detail will be added to this section and to Annex C.

Creation of the National Disease Control Centre (See Annex H)

The National Disease Control Centre (NDCC) will be set up immediately that

there is confirmation of a disease outbreak. It will be located in room LG09 1A,

Page Street, London, which is fully equipped with appropriate telephony and IT

equipment.

Role of the National Disease Control Centre

The NDCC receives information on suspected cases and provides advice to

confirm diagnosis if needed; to map and record tracings, dangerous contacts

and contiguous premises; to maintain accurate records for each confirmed

Infected Premise and to co-ordinate sero-surveillance. The NDCC owns the

Disease Control System (DCS) as the central information database and is

responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data. The NDCC

provides veterinary field staff with direct access to senior SVS management and

policy makers.

The NDCC is modelled on the structure of a military operations room and is

composed of a number of ‘cells’, each with clear operational responsibility.

Daily briefing and co-ordination is achieved through "Birdtable" meetings. All

key players attend these meetings, with the aim being to identify operational

problems and issues, task individuals to resolve them, agree the application of

tactical instructions from the Daily Emergency Direction Group and to create an

‘all-informed network’.

‘Birdtable’ meetings are arranged around a map table showing details of

infected premises. They are short, outcome-focussed briefing meetings where

key personnel stand around the table and give account of their logistical

problems and progress against them. These meetings are not intended for

policy development (that is for the Strategy Board). Initially, it is likely that they

will be held thrice daily (07.30, 12.00, 19.00) seven days a week.

The NDCC will commission daily situation reports (sitreps) from LDCCs using

the format at Annex D. The Statistics Cell will be required to produce a

management information report for circulation to the Government Co-ordination

Committee and Defra’s Emergency Direction Group and Strategy Board

members at the end of each day. The report will contain key statistics on

progress against control targets and other points requiring strategic and tactical

decisions and policy development.

Please refer to Section 3 of this plan for guidance on immediate issues

arising from an outbreak.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

ANNEX A

DEVOLVED ADMINISTRATIONS

Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Scottish Executive have

produced individual Contingency Plans outlining their responses to a disease

outbreak. Whilst specific to their own institutional arrangements, the plans are

mutually complementary. In the event of a suspected or confirmed case of

disease, Defra, SEERAD NAWAD and DARDNI will ensure close liaison in

order to co-ordinate the emergency response process and news releases.

Scotland

Certain of the policies and procedures set out in this Contingency Plan will be

different in Scotland. SEERAD have published their own draft Contingency

Plan

(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/agriculture/fmdcontingency.pdf).

This sets out the precise arrangements which will apply in Scotland.

However, this Plan will apply in Scotland except where the SEERAD Plan and

any subsequent instructions determine otherwise. Any such Plan or

instructions will be approved by the CVO (Scotland) and the Head of Food

and Agriculture Group in SEERAD.

Action in relation to Scotland on any outbreak

When any outbreak of foot and mouth disease occurs anywhere in GB:

(i) the CVO (Scotland) and the Head of Animal Health Division in

SEERAD should be notified immediately;

(ii) SEERAD will brief their own Ministers and will implement

separately for Scotland any immediate legislation required (including

movement controls and export controls); and

(iii) SEERAD will be invited to send a liaison officer to Page Street

immediately the NDCC is established.

Action in the event of a Scottish outbreak

In the event of a Scottish outbreak SEERAD will immediately convene a

Disease Strategy Group (DSG) which will be chaired by the Secretary of

SEERAD or the Head of Food and Agriculture Group. Its members will

include the CVO (Scotland), the Chief Agricultural Officer and (if and when the

Army is involved) the relevant Army Brigade Commander. The DSG will

supervise the handling of the Scottish outbreak and will ensure that Scottish

Ministers, the Scottish Parliament and the media are appropriately briefed.

Deployment of the Armed Forces depends upon authorisation by a MOD

Minister, following a request by either the Scottish Executive or Defra.

In England, an NDCC would be set up in Page Street to co-ordinate GB

disease control operations..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Wales

In Wales, though the key ingredients of this Contingency Plan will apply, a

separate plan is being prepared for Wales by the Welsh Assembly

Government, which will include the following :

ACVO (Wales) and the Head of Common Agriculture Policy Management

(Wales) should be notified immediately of any outbreak of disease

anywhere in GB;

activate the provisions of the Contingency Plan arising from existing

Assembly-led programme of regular planning meetings of all interested

parties in Wales potentially involved in disease control;

establish an Assembly Liaison Officer post in the NDCC (and COBR);

ensure that Welsh Assembly Government Ministers are separately

advised and can institute action in Wales relevant to local

circumstances to manage the outbreak locally. Additional

responsibilities will be applied to the Regional Operations Director role

to reflect the central strategic role the Assembly will carry out under s41

of the Government in Wales Act 1998. His title will be Operations

Director (Wales) (OD(W));

the OD(W) will operate with the advice of the Assistant Chief Veterinary

Officer (Wales);

on the first indication of disease the OD(W) will establish the Welsh Co-ordination

Centre in Cardiff, which will provide strategic support;

provide the main source of communication between relevant agriculture

departments and key stakeholders and media in Wales;

various Groups will be established within the Assembly to advise ministers

on a variety of policy issues such as access, economic impact and human

health;

recognise the Assembly Government’s responsibilities for secondary

legislation;.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Annex B

Roles at Strategic (GOLD) Level

Permanent Secretary - Gold Commander

•Ultimate responsibility for all strategic decisions taken within Defra

•As Chairman of the Management Board establish Departmental priorities,

achieve clarity of impact on other Departmental business and give clear

leadership,

•As Departmental Accounting Officer, and in liaison with the Director of

Finance, ensure that appropriate financial and audit procedures are in

place,

•Take an outward-facing role to engage Number 10 and other Permanent

Secretaries, particularly Cabinet Office regarding the Government Co-ordination

Committee and HM Treasury. Issues likely to be: augmenting

staff resources from OGD pool, communication with OGD partners and

Ministers, response to EFRA and Treasury Select Committees,

•Horizon scan for wider governmental issues,

•Attend morning NDCC Birdtable (07.30)

•Attend Government Co-ordination Committee (09.00 – as necessary,

Chair: Cabinet Office or DG OSD, Secretariat: CCS),

•Attend daily Communications Meeting (10.00 – 10.30) and ensure that the

Secretary of State, Ministers and Number 10 are regularly briefed.

•Chair Defra Strategy Board (15.00, as necessary), ensuring the meeting

focuses on strategic outcomes

•Appoint deputies (at least DG Operations and Service Delivery)

DG Operations & Service Delivery

•Ensure that notification of a confirmed outbreak is cascaded down to

Heads of Division level within the Directorate General without delay and

that those HODs with key roles to play (e.g. Heads of Professions)

understand their roles and the need for a rapid reaction to support the

control effort.

•Establish strategic delivery priorities

•Engage other Directors General and Other Government Departments

(particular responsibility for engaging Civil contingencies Secretariat and

Armed Forces support), Issues likely to be: Augmentation of Defra staff

from OGD pool and elsewhere, Calling in the Armed Forces (in liaison

with MOD Home & Special Forces Secretariat – see contact list at Annex

•Ensure Local Authority engagement through Local Government

Association and LACORS.

•Strategic Liaison with Government Offices in the Regions

•Horizon scan for strategic issues

•Attend morning NDCC Birdtable (07.30).DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

•Chair daily Defra Emergency Direction Group (08.15), ensuring the

meeting focuses on Tactical outcomes

•Attend Government Co-ordination Committee (09.00, Chair: Cabinet Office

or DG OSD, Secretariat: CCS),

•Attend daily Communications Meeting (10.00 – 10.30)

•Deputise for Permanent Secretary at regular Strategy Board meetings

(15.00 as necessary),

•Appoint deputies

Chief Veterinary Officer

•Responsible for confirmation of disease in first case

•Head of State Veterinary Profession – increased liaison with RCVS, BVA,

•Establish and Chair Animal Disease Policy Group (N.B. this is separate

from Science Group) to devise/refine disease control policies, horizon scan

and inform development of strategies at Government Co-ordination

Committee (09.00)

•Ensure that notification of a confirmed outbreak is cascaded down key

staff as outlined in Section 2 of this plan, and also to Heads of Division

level within the Directorate General without delay and that those HODs

with key roles to play understand the need for a rapid reaction to support

the control effort

•Attend morning NDCC Birdtable (07.30)

•Attend Government Co-ordination Committee (09.00)

•Attend daily Communications Meeting (10.00 – 10.30)

•Brief media (11.00 – 11.30)

•Attend regular Defra Strategy Board (15.00 as necessary)

•Attend Stakeholder Group (once per week) or send deputy

•Appoint deputies

DEFRA Chief Scientist

•Establish and Chair Science Group to inform and challenge development

of strategies at Government Co-ordination Committee (N.B. this is

separate from Animal Disease Policy Group)

•Horizon scan for strategic issues

•Ensure that notification of a confirmed outbreak is cascaded down to

Heads of Division level within the Directorate General without delay and

that those HODs with key roles to play understand the need for a rapid

reaction to support the control effort

•Attend morning NDCC Birdtable (07.30)

•Attend Government Co-ordination Committee (09.00)

•Attend daily Communications Meeting (10.00 – 10.30)

•Brief media (11.00 – 11.30)

•Attend regular Defra Strategy Board (15.00 as necessary)

•Attend Stakeholder Group (once per week) or send deputy

•Appoint deputies.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Director Legal Services A / DG Legal Services

•Provide Legal advice to the Defra Strategy Board and the Government Co-ordination

Committee

•Ensure that notification of a confirmed outbreak is cascaded down to

Heads of Division level within the Directorate General without delay and

that those HODs with key roles to play understand the need for a rapid

reaction to support the control effort

•Ensure that there are sufficient legal staff to meet emerging needs

•Ensure that there is a lawyer posted (on a rota basis) to the National

Disease Control Centre at its inception

• Horizon scan for strategic issues

•Attend morning NDCC Birdtable (07.30)

•Attend daily Defra Emergency Direction Group (08.15)

•[DG Legal Services to attend Government Co-ordination Committee

(09.00)if necessary]

•Attend regular Defra Strategy Board (15.00 as necessary)

DG Land Use and Rural Affairs

•Ensure that notification of a confirmed outbreak is cascaded down to

Heads of Division level within the Directorate General without delay and

that those HODs with key roles to play understand the need for a rapid

reaction to support the control effort

•Ensure that the Countryside Agency is briefed and invited to attend

Government Co-ordination Committee [and Strategy Board] and provide a

representative within the National Disease Control Centre

•Horizon scan for strategic issues

•Establish and Chair Rural Issues Group to horizon scan and develop

policies to inform development of strategies at Government Co-ordination

Committee and Defra Strategy Board,

•Review procedures for information gathering from rural stakeholders with

the aim to ensure close stakeholder liaison and adequate feedback to

Government Co-ordination Committee and Defra Strategy Board

•Attend morning NDCC Birdtable (07.30)

•Attend Government Co-ordination Committee when required (09.00)

•Attend regular stakeholder meeting

•Attend regular Defra Strategy Board (15.00 as necessary)

•Appoint deputies

Other DGs

•Ensure that notification of a confirmed outbreak is cascaded down to

Heads of Division level within the Directorate General without delay and

that those HODs with key roles to play (e.g. Heads of Professions)

understand the need for a rapid reaction to support the control effort

•Attend regular Defra Strategy Board (15.00 as necessary)

•Appoint deputies.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Director SVS – Silver Commander

•Director of Disease Operations,

•Establish National Disease Control Centre (NDCC):-

- appoint deputies (see Joint Deputy Directors of NDCC)

- notify NDCC Heads of Teams

- ensure that contingency arrangements are enacted

•Attend NDCC Birdtables (especially 07.30 for briefing)

•Attend and brief daily Defra Emergency Direction Group (08.15)

•Ensure that clear instructions are produced from Emergency Direction

Group for dissemination to NDCC and LDCC(s)

•Attend and brief Government Co-ordination Committee (09.00)

•Chair daily conference call with RODs (14.00) or send deputy

•[Attend and brief regular Defra Strategy Board (15.00 as necessary)]

•Horizon scan for tactical issues

•Attend Stakeholder Group (suggested once per week) or send deputy

•Responsible for Health and Safety issues in all disease control and clear-up

operations.

Director Vet Policy

•Notify members of the Animal Disease Policy Group

•Attend Animal Disease Policy Group

•European Union SVC and OIE liaison

•Liaison with industry and other stakeholders over policy development

•Deputise for CVO at Defra Emergency Direction Group (08.15), and if

necessary at Government Co-ordination Committee (09.00) and Animal

Disease Policy Group

•Attend NDCC Birdtables (where possible but especially 07.30 for briefing)

•Attend and brief daily Defra Emergency Direction Group (08.15)

•Attend and brief regular Defra Strategy Board (15.00 as necessary)

•Horizon scan for tactical issues

•Attend Stakeholder Group (once per week) or send deputy

•Appoint deputies

Director Animal Health & Welfare

•Liaison with industry and other stakeholders over policy development

•European Commission liaison

•Deputise for CVO at Defra Emergency Direction Group (08.15), and if

necessary at Defra Strategy Board and Animal Disease Policy Group

•Attend NDCC Birdtables (where possible but especially 07.30 for briefing)

•Attend and brief daily Defra Emergency Direction Group (08.15)

•Attend and brief regular Defra Strategy Board (15.00 as necessary)

•Horizon scan for tactical issues

•Attend Stakeholder Group (once per week) or send deputy.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

•Appoint deputies

Director Communications

•Organise and chair teleconference upon notification of initial case of

suspect/confirmed disease

•Establish national communications hub in NDCC and working with RODs/

DVMs set up regional/divisional communications presence in local disease

control centres (LDCC)

•Engage GNN and GICS

•Horizon scan for tactical issues

•Ensure that internal communications actions are taken to keep all Defra

staff informed

•Establish appropriate media briefing at national and local levels;

•Attend NDCC Birdtables (where possible but especially 07.30 for briefing)

•Attend Government Co-ordination Committee (09.00 – 10.00)

•Chair daily Communications meeting (10.00 – 10.30)

•Provide Media briefing (with CVO and CSA) at 11.00 every day

•Attend and brief regular Defra Strategy Board (15.00 as necessary)

•Attend Stakeholder Group (once per week) or send deputy

•Review communications protocols on a regular basis

•Appoint deputies.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Finance Director

•Appoint Finance Director to NDCC and Finance Managers to LDCC(s)

•Appoint team to impose financial control and audit procedures at all levels

•Liaise with HM Treasury and National Audit Office

•Submit a regular Finance Report to the Strategy Board [and Government

Co-ordination Committee]

•Attend morning NDCC Birdtable (07.30)

•Attend and brief daily Defra Emergency Direction Group (08.15)

•Attend and brief regular Defra Strategy Board (15.00 as necessary)

•Horizon scan for strategic and tactical issues

•Appoint deputies

Other Relevant Directors (as required)

•Attend morning NDCC Birdtable (07.30)

•Attend and brief daily Defra Emergency Direction Group (08.15 – 08.45) or

Communications Meeting (10.00 – 10.30) if necessary

•Brief Directors General for the Government Co-ordination Committee

(09.00) [and Strategy Board] if necessary

•Appoint deputies.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Annex C

Job Descriptions at Tactical (SILVER) Level

N.B. Further Roles and Job Descriptions will be added shortly

Example:

HEAD OF CLEANSING AND DISINFECTION (C&D) CELL –

National Disease Control Centre (NDCC)

NAME GRADE 7

AIM:

•Responsible for all cleansing & disinfection activity in the regions to ensure

that it is carried out in accordance with current policy

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Provide advice to regional DCCs on all aspects of the cleansing and

disinfection process for infected premises including the treatment of slurry,

foodstuffs, dilapidated buildings etc. and ensure consistency of

understanding and implementation of cleansing and disinfection policy.

•Deciding whether secondary cleansing and disinfection should take place

on individual premises.

•Provide advice on implementation of Biosecurity protocols.

•Provide advice on financial issues arising from cleansing and disinfection

and ensuring that financial targets are met.

REPORTING TO:

•Joint Deputy Director FMD Operations – Head of Non-Veterinary

Operations

COMMUNICATION/LIAISON:

•DVMs

•RODs/DOMs

•Head of FMD Finance

•Head of Procurement Cell

•Team Managers within the NDCC

•Veterinary, Animal Health and Welfare, Environment and Rural Affairs

Policy Divisions

•Other Team Managers within National Disease Control Centre (NDCC)

•OGDs and Stakeholders

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS:

•Good communication skills

•Practically minded

•Drafting skills.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

INITIAL TASKS INSTRUCTION

Contact Policy lead and Veterinary

Exotic Diseases Team.

Please see hyperlink

http://intranet/fmd/contactsjcc.htm -

Policy

To contact details [to clarify the policy

on cleansing and disinfection].

Ensure instructions on cleansing and

disinfection are issued to the field.

Develop and draft instructions In

liaison with Briefing Unit, based on

current policy, for them to issue to the

field.

Ensure consistency of understanding

and consistency of implementation of

cleansing and disinfection policy

across the country.

Liase and co-ordinate with NDCC and

the regional offices. See hyperlink to

L:drive providing regional C&D

contacts. [see Chapter 3]

Ensure the C&D policy and methods

of implementation are communicated

to other interested parties (i.e.

farmers and stakeholders).

In liaison with Briefing Unit, develop

communications to be distributed and

placed on the website.

Ensure that accurate figures on C&D

costs are identified and published.

Liaise with FMD Finance,

Procurement, regional C&D contacts

and Briefing Unit and publish on

website.

Liaise with Head of Stats cell to

produce management information

report..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

ANNEX D

FMD DAILY SITREP

LDCC: DATE:

ROD Tel no. Mobile No. e-mail

1. General comments on operation in LDCC Area (for completion by

ROD)

2. Issues for attention.

a) Policy issues

b) Operational issues e.g vaccination, slaughter, disposal

c) Resource issues:

Staff

Accommodation

Other resources

d) Communications issues:

Internal

External.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

ANNEX E

CONTACTS LIST

1. Key Personnel who must be notified in the event of a

confirmed outbreak (i.e. Alert State: Red)

[N.B. Annex F gives contact details for Regional Operations Directors]

N.B. Contact details are not included here as they are not for

circulation outside Defra / NDCC

IT IS EXPECTED THAT ALL DIRECTORS WILL CASCADE THE

INFORMATION TO THEIR MEMBERS OF STAFF

For Notification by Head of AMED Policy Division:

All Defra Ministers and Special Advisers

Defra Permanent Secretary

Defra Director General: Operations and Service Delivery

Defra Director: Legal Services A

Defra Chief Scientist

Defra Director General: Environmental Protection

Defra Director General: Food, Farming and Fisheries

Defra Director General: Land Use and Rural Affairs

Defra Director: Finance, Planning and Resources

Defra Director: Corporate Services

Defra Director: Communications

No. 10 - Secretariat (Senior Policy Adviser – Agriculture)

Office of Science & Technology – Chief Scientific Adviser

Cabinet Office – Permanent Secretary

HM Treasury - EFRA

SEERAD

WAGAD

DARDNI.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

National Farmers Union

Tenant Farmers Association

Country Land and Business Association

Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services

Meat and Livestock Commission

Central Association of Agricultural Valuers

Food Standards Agency

The Countryside Agency

English Nature

For Notification by DCVO (Policy)

European Commission

Office International des Epizooties (OIE)

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

British Veterinary Association

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

For Notification by Head of SVS Contingency Planning Division:

Defra Director: Environment Quality & Waste

Defra Director: Rural Economies & Communities

Defra Director: e-Business

Defra BEMD Emergencies Unit

HVS’s and DVMs

Rural Development Service ( Head and Regional Managers)

Rural Payments Agency

Environment Agency.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Government Offices in the Regions: Directors and Rural Directors

Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat

Cabinet Office Regional Co-ordination Unit

Cabinet Office Economic and Domestic Affairs Secretariat

Cabinet Office European Secretariat

Department of Health

Ministry of Defence, Home and Special Forces Secretariat

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Home Office

Association of Chief Police Officers

Department for Transport,

Department for Work and Pensions

(Jobcentre Plus – Operational Support Secretariat)

Local Government Association

Licensed Animal Slaughterers and Salvage Association (LASSA)

UK Renderers Association

Environmental Services Association

Freight Transport Association.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

ANNEX E (2)

2. Defra National Disease Control Centre Contact List

N.B. List not for circulation outside Defra / NDCC.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

ANNEX F

REGIONAL OPERATIONS DIRECTORS

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS

Not for Circulation outside Defra.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

ANNEX G

COMMUNICATIONS

ACTION BY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE

COMMUNICATIONS WORKSTREAM

- ON NOTIFICATION OF SUSPICION

CVO, or nominated representative, to alert Communications Division:

In office hours approach one of the following in this order:

Director of Communications, Head of News, Chief Press Officer (Food and

Farming), Animal Health Desk.

Out of hours (before 8.30am, after 18.30 pm and weekends), one of the

following:

Duty Press Officer (via duty room on XXXXXXXXXX)

Director of Communications, Head of News, Chief Press Officer (Food and

Farming), Animal Health Desk (phone numbers via duty room)

Director of Communication and Chief Press Officer (F and F) to ensure:

- Immediate alert of various parts of CD command including website,

helpline, publicity branch, briefing unit, library, Internal Communications Unit

and Communications Planning Unit; then No 10 press office, Media

Monitoring Unit, Strategic Communications Unit and the News Co-ordination

Centre.

- Reference to Communications Protocol: Animal Disease and its

procedures for transmitting information both internally and externally

- Deployment of press officers in national press office to deal with influx

of calls;

- Identification of press officer(s) to be sent to the region(s) to provide

support additional to local Government News Network;

- Consideration with Ministers, officials and No10 Press Office of the

need for a press notice, Ministerial availability for interview; and possible

requirement for briefing of media

- If there is a 5mile (8km) movement restriction zone around the

suspicious case, Chief Press Officer (Food and Farming) to liaise with AHWD

and Ministers the terms of a press notice to be issued nationally and locally as

quickly as possible..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Chief Press Officer (Food and Farming) to ensure this release is put on the

website, externally and internally, simultaneously. (Head of Internal

Communications responsible for ensuring all Defra staff are kept fully

informed of developments).

- Director of Communications to identify broadcast spokesperson at

national level and liaise with GNN spokesperson at local level.

- Communication with Director of GNN Regional Network (as

appropriate), GNN Defra lead Director and GNN office covering relevant

areas)

Local Government News Network: GNN Regional Director to assist DVM

with local media handling support, in liaison with Briefing Unit to prepare

"holding" line to take for local media; consider need to hold briefing for local

media. The GNN should organise and accompany the local spokesperson

and provide a 24 hour contact point for local media.

Briefing Unit: In liaison with AHWD prepare "holding" lines to take for

national media, Ministers, No10 and for use with stakeholders; collate, revise

and update existing data, lines to take, briefing and q and a material. Prepare

for the possible need to relocate staff to form nucleus of a communications

hub in the NDCC, if set up.

Library: Chief Librarian to be alerted so that the Library service can support

the press and briefing units with factual and contextual information to ensure

information is being made available to other parts of the Department. The

Library holds a wealth of information on previous outbreaks and inquiry

reports etc. as well as access to a number of electronic current awareness

services.

Website: Staff from CD New Media Team to liaise with AHWD website staff to

prepare immediate public information for the website as appropriate and

consider how a clearly labelled and signposted site could be ready for use

immediately should FMD be confirmed.

Publicity branch: Head of Publicity to ensure branch is standing by to

update and prepare printed/audio visual material as appropriate.

Helpline: to prepare for intense public interest, identifying staff resources,

supplementary helplines and briefing needs.

News Co-ordination Centre: to stand ready to alert other Government Press

Offices and co-ordinate OGD briefing as appropriate..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

STAFFING ISSUES:

Chief Press Officer (Food and Farming)

Consider what resources could be made available to deal with a confirmed

outbreak. These might involve extra press offices to run a 7 day a week shift

system. Consider the accommodation implications of an increase in

personnel.

Need to consider the clerical support arrangements and the possible need for

agency staff to provide transcription services for media briefings, telephone

answering and administrative assistance to relieve information professionals

from routine tasks.

Consider the need for support at his level to help co-ordinate and run the

office through 24/7.

ON NOTIFICATION OF CONFIRMATION

Director of Communications and Chief Press Officer (Food and Farming)

to liaise with Ministers, CVO, AHWD over the arrangements for early briefing

of the press and issue of press notices nationally and locally.

Director of Communications to ensure:

- Directorate works closely with Private Offices, policy and operational

colleagues, OGD, No 10 and Environment Agency press offices to ensure that

stakeholders, the public, the media and other interested parties are kept

informed of overall objectives, means and progress of action.

- close working between the different CD workstreams, including press,

publicity, website, briefing unit and helpline.

Chief Press Officer (Food and Farming)

- to re-deploy press officers to support animal health desk and take an

overview of staffing needs (putting in an early bid for help from OGDs as

appropriate);

- make arrangements to staff the office from 6am – 11.30pm including

use of shift system (other Government departments can help staff from 6am -

9.30am and from 6pm – 11pm); prepare for weekend office cover, probably

between 8am – 8pm;

- to confirm with GNN deployment of regional press office support, to

allocate central press office support to region(s);

- ensure the transcription of press briefings and dissemination of

interview transcripts..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Local Government News Network: GNN Regional Director to draft in extra

press officers to work with LDCCs in regional "Communications Cells",

ensuring close liaison with the HQ Communications Hub and Defra HQ Press

Office. Establish systematic briefing of local and regional media and

contribute toward stakeholder communication efforts. Deal with media bids

for interviews and prepare DVMs/RODs for interview.

Briefing and Knowledge Network Unit: Once the decision has been taken

to set up the NDCC and LDCC(s), a ‘hub and spoke’ system of information

exchange with a central hub at HQ and communications "cells" in the regions

would be set up taking Briefing Unit staff as core staffing.

This system would from then on handle the flow of guidance on policies,

operational instructions and advice from the centre to the regions and the flow

back to the centre of information on operations, local impacts etc from the

regional cells.

Hub

Staff from the Briefing Unit will immediately form the core of a multi-disciplinary

"Communications Hub" co-located with the NDCC and would work

closely with veterinary experts and others as appropriate.

Regional communications "cells"

In conjunction with the Director of Communications and local GNN staff,

DVMs/RODs will make arrangements within their LDCC for the establishment

of a dedicated communications cell which would include local GNN staff

relocating to the LDCC. .

DOM to oversee the LDCC Communications cell which would be responsible

for all internal, operational and external communications including local media

handling and arrangements for local stakeholder briefings.

The regional communications cells would ensure that stakeholders, front line

staff and the local media are kept fully informed and be the main information

source for local technical headlines if set up. The cells would also feed back

to the central hub, details of local activity and intelligence, taking a role in local

stakeholder meetings and co-ordinating briefing information for local media

interviews etc.

- running daily meetings to brief and consult key stakeholders (NFU,

LAs, EA) on developments (usually led by DVM or ROD)

- handling all local media inquiries, dealing with interview "bids"

(arranging media interviews with ROD or DVM).

- equipping, staffing and briefing the local Animal Health Helpline.

- dealing with incoming correspondence from the public and MPs.

Two way communications.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Information would travel between the HQ ‘hub’ and regional communications

centres by a variety of means, including Defra’s Knowledge Network, email

and the departmental intranet.

Library: Chief Librarian to ensure that information is made available to CD

and wider Department as required.

Website: Webmaster to ensure 24/7 availability in conjunction with AHWD

web co-ordinator; to consider increasing staffing levels and ensure that the

design of webpages makes site accessible and easy to navigate.

Publicity branch: Head of Publicity (in conjunction with the Communications

Hub and Policy) to prepare and implement a paid publicity strategy for

communication directly with stakeholders and interested parties.

Helpline: The general Helpline will work with the BCMS Helpline to set up a

dedicated FMD (or animal disease) Helpline to be manned by BCMS staff.

This will be monitored over a 48 hour period. If the service is overwhelmed it

will be outsourced within 24 hours using a private company with BT acting as

the outsource management. There will be flexibility within the outsourced

arrangement to move to 24/7 cover, if required.

News Co-ordination Centre: to seek advice from Defra on likely implications

for other government and stand ready to co-ordinate OGD briefing as

appropriate.

Head of Defra’s Internal Communications Team: to ensure effective

means of communicating with all Defra personnel (to ensure that those not

directly involved are kept informed.) To set up the necessary crisis

communications systems for use by Communications Hubs and Regional

Cells. These are expected to include the necessary infrastructure to facilitate

mass text messaging (text blasting) and initiate telecoms contracts to provide

recorded message updates.

To oversee (in conjunction with personnel teams in NDCC and LDCCs) a

crisis contacts database to include details of all those involved in dealing with

the outbreak (including non-Defra staff).(email details, mobile phone numbers,

roles etc.)

Media Monitoring Unit to play a full supporting role in conjunction with NCC

Director of Communications and Head of News to ensure early daily

assessment of likely media developments, briefing and activity needs.

STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT

Constant and timely involvement of stakeholders is an integral part of the

communications picture. This must be pro-actively pursued at national and

local level.

National.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Key stakeholders will be invited to send a representative to the NDCC to

participate in ‘birdtable’ meetings and provide input to policy, strategy and

tactical development. Regular stakeholder meetings will be held, chaired by a

senior official or minister.

Regional

DVM or ROD will usually lead stakeholder meetings, with briefing and co-ordination

being handled by the LDCC Communications manager..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Structures of NDCC and LDCC Annex H

Director of FMD Operations

Joint Deputy

Director FMD Ops-

Head of Vet

Operations

Joint Deputy Director FMD Ops -

Head of Non- Veterinary

Operations

Head of

Vaccination

Operations

Head of FMD

Personnel

Head of FMD

Finance

Head of Disease

Reporting Unit

Vet Reports

DCS

GIS

Admin Support

Liaison with

Animal Health &

Welfare

Directorate

General

Direction of

DVMs

[Epidemiology

Team]

Direction of RODs/ DOMs

Disposal

Procurement

General Admin Support

Statistics & Management

Info.

Liaison/ Cells- OGDs etc.

Devolved administrations

Policy & Stakeholder Liaison

Legal

Briefing

Field Instuctions

Finance Teams

Vet Resources

Specialists

Admin resources

ROD

DVM DOM

STRUCTURE OF NATIONAL DISEASE CONTROL CENTRE

Head of

Operational

Communications

LOCAL DCC

Field Project

Managers

Field

Coordinators

Vaccination Centre

Communications

Directorate

Instructions.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

DVM

Duty VO / DCC Manager

FieldVO- site diagnosis,

manage cull and disposal

VO - IP/ DC/ CP

Contact / Operations

VO - Epidemiology

VO - Surveillance

VO - Tracings

VO - Biosecurity

VO - TVI Allocations

VO - Cleansing and

Disinfection

ROD

VO - Licensing / Restrictions

Vets for Patrol Work

SAHO - Field Team Manager Allocation of Field Officers

Licensing Manager

Personnel Manager

Clean- up Manager

Communications

Finance Manager

Veterinary Support

Disposals Manager

Stores Health and

Safety

Management of Field

Officers

Staff Induction Training Recruitment

Press Office Liaison and COI Stakeholders - meetings,

liaison, newsletters, etc.

C& D Technical C& D Admin

VIP Visits Help Lines

Finance

Contract

Management

Procurement

Manager

Accommodation IT

Data Management

Tracings Admin

Support

Surveillance

Admin Support GIS

Written /

Telephone

Inquiries

Transport

Detox Appeals Slaughter Disposals

Co- ordination

Farm

Reinstatement Valuation

Local Stakeholder representatives

e. g. Local Authority, NFU, Police, LVI Liaison

Suggested structure of Divisional Disease Control Centre showing Key Work Areas

HelpDesk Licensing Staff

VO - Co- ordination of Surveillance

and Protection Zone Clearance

Surveillance and Protection

Zone Clearance Manager

Key: Shaded Boxes are

areas that need to be

covered from submission

of samples from report

case

DOM.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Annex I

VETERINARY RISK ASSESSMENT

AND PROTOCOL FOR RIGHTS OF WAY CLOSURE

N.B. The Protocol for Rights of Way Closure is currently being drafted and

will be added shortly.

Veterinary Risk Assessment No.4 (revised January

2002)

What is the risk of causing new outbreaks of FMD if footpaths are

open to the public?

1. Summary of Risk Assessment

Although all counties in Great Britain are classified as FMD free, it would be

prudent to guard against the reoccurrence of disease from an undisclosed

disease in a remote flock of sheep or from residual infection on premises,

which have not yet completed full cleansing and disinfection, or from a further

introduction of disease into country. If FMD infection is still present in Great

Britain, there is a risk that walkers using footpaths could cause new

outbreaks. Infection may result from contaminated persons or accompanying

animals arriving at the footpath and subsequently passing on infection to

livestock or by persons or accompanying animals becoming contaminated

while using the footpath and passing infection to livestock then or at a later

time.

The factors considered to be most responsible for increasing this risk are:

•contact with infected premises or premises where animals have been

exposed to the risk of infection prior to arrival at footpaths

•contact with livestock prior to arrival at footpaths

•failure to disinfect footwear prior to arrival at footpaths

•proximity of the footpath to livestock areas, including infected premises

and premises where animals have been exposed to the risk of infection

• presence of accompanying animals

•failure to limit access for persons or accompanying animals from footpaths

to livestock areas failure to limit access by livestock to footpaths, resulting

in deposits of faeces, urine, milk etc.

•contact with livestock while in locality of footpaths

•contact with surroundings (including pasture and foliage) while in locality of

footpath

•meteorological and environment conditions which influence virus survival.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

•failure to disinfect footwear after leaving locality of footpaths

•contact with livestock after leaving locality of footpaths

•contact with surroundings (including pasture and foliage) after leaving

locality of footpath

Of these, the major factors are:

•proximity of the footpath to livestock areas, including infected premises

and premises where animals have been exposed to the risk of infection

•contact with livestock prior to arrival at footpaths

•contact with livestock while in locality of footpaths

•contact with livestock after leaving locality of footpaths

•failure to limit access for livestock to footpaths, resulting in deposits of

faeces, urine, milk etc.

2. Summary of Risk Management options

This section identifies ways in which the risks that have been identified can be

managed, taking no account of whether the management options are practical

or proportionate to the level of risk. Theoretical risk management options

include:-

i. Closing all footpaths over land which may be grazed by livestock, making

public access a criminal offence.

ii. Closing footpaths only in areas where the risk of FMD virus being present is

greatest

iii. Preventing or discouraging access by those who keep or handle

susceptible livestock in the course of their work, and so are most likely to have

been exposed to and contaminated by FMD virus.

iv. Permitting access but encouraging the public to wear clean clothing and

footwear so that they do not introduce infection to an area; to avoid walking

amongst livestock, and, in particular, NEVER to handle or touch animals, and

to use any disinfectant footbaths or pads which the landowner may choose to

provide.

(v) Regulating access in accordance with the likelihood that infected animals

or their products may be encountered. The risks are greatest on Form A and

Form D premises, but entry and exit to and from these are already controlled

by statute. Elsewhere the risk diminishes with distance as follows: -.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

•within a Restricted Infected Area

•within 3km of an Infected Premises in an Infected Area

•within an Infected Area

•within a "High-Risk" county in a Controlled Area

•within an "At Risk county" in a Controlled Area

•within an "FMD free county" in a Controlled Area

•where no FMD controls are in force.

In addition to geographical factors, risk may diminish with time. Virus viability

on pasture is limited and is dependent on meteorological conditions.

3. Recommended action

i. FMD virus may be introduced to previously uninfected premises in many

ways: by airborne spread; by the movement of infected animals, feed or

bedding; and by the movement of people or equipment contaminated with the

virus. Transmission by people has been recorded on many occasions, but

those responsible have generally had close contact with animals on infected,

and then on uninfected, premises. It is theoretically possible that walkers who

had not had direct contact with Infected Animals could carry infection to

previously uninfected animals, although there is no evidence that this has

actually happened and the risk, if any, is small in comparison to other

transmission risks.

ii. Even small risks can be further diminished by appropriate action, but the

cost may outweigh the benefit. There is a balance to be struck between the

need to control FMD and the damage that controls do to other important

industries, such as tourism. Draconian action may be unnecessary and

inappropriate, particularly if universally applied.

iii. There is no veterinary justification for closing all footpaths and preventing

all public access to land. A more measured response, which takes account of

both public perception and of the real risk, is required. The latter is the product

of many factors, including the prevalence of infection in an area, the presence

or absence of susceptible livestock, and the density of the livestock if present.

iv. Viable virus is most likely to be picked up on premises which have been

recently infected or exposed to the risk of infection by human, animal, or

animal product movement, or by proximity. Premises on which infection is

suspected or has been confirmed, or on which animals have been exposed to

the risk of infection, are subject to restrictions that prohibit entry or exit except

under licence. Restrictions on individual premises may remain in force for

many months, particularly on premises where full cleansing and disinfection is

not carried out for any reason. The risk that walkers will come into contact

with FMD virus on premises on which final cleansing and disinfection has

been completed is vanishingly small, and even on premises where it has not,

there is virtually no risk from walking on the land (as opposed to through yards

or buildings) after a sufficient period of time has elapsed..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

v. Even on premises that are not subject to Form A or Form D restrictions,

infection may be present but unrecognised. The risk is greatest in premises

that were in Restricted Infected Areas (which are sometimes described as

being subject to "blue box" restrictions), less in Infected Areas, much less in

Controlled Areas, and least where Controlled Area restrictions are lifted.

vi. The whole of Great Britain is currently subject to Controlled Area controls.

It is anticipated that many of these controls will be removed when the

Controlled Area is lift in February. Some controls will, however, continue to

remain in place. Whatever the status of an area there is only a very small risk

that walkers who have not recently handled or been in direct contact with

susceptible livestock will introduce infection from elsewhere, or spread

infection from one premises to another. The risk is greatest on land close to

an Infected Premises on which FMD has recently been confirmed and

diminishes with time. A high density of livestock increases the likelihood of

contact between walkers and animals, and so increases any risk of

transmission.

vii. The risk of further outbreaks of disease is much diminished since its peak

of the epidemic at the end of March 2001, and virus survival during the

summer months has been limited by warmer, drier weather, although cases

continued to occur until 30 September, and there is a continuing small risk

that they may still occur in future. Outbreaks of disease became more

localised and all Infected Areas have been revoked, becoming part of a

Controlled Area. Virus excretion may already have ceased although

meteorological conditions will be more favourable to virus survival on pasture

during the winter months.

viii. For as long as small risk of residual infection of FMD remains in Great

Britain the single most effective method of reducing any risk posed by walkers

is to ensure that they have not handled or been in contact with susceptible

livestock before or during their visit. Enforcement of such a condition is not

practicable but it is reasonable to suppose that most walkers will respect the

interests of the community at large by taking precautions that will minimise the

risk of spreading FMD.

ix. It is extremely unlikely that walkers will come into contact with viable FMD

virus. The risk of transmission by walkers from one farm to another is

therefore vanishingly small, but it is possible that infection may be introduced

from elsewhere. At this stage of the epidemic the following action can be

justified:

7 Allow public access to all paths and rights of way, but publicise and seek the

co-operation of walkers in observing the following precautions intended to

protect the disease-free status of the area:

•start your walk wearing clean footwear and clothing;

•do not approach, touch or handle livestock;

•keep dogs on a lead wherever there are livestock;

•take any waste, including food, home; and

•use any disinfectant footpads or baths which the landowner provides..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

x. Even when area restrictions are lifted, individual premises may remain

under restriction for much longer than is necessary to control the risk that

walkers and ramblers may come into contact with viable virus and carry

infection to other premises. Virus survival on land at any time of the year is

unlikely to extend beyond the date when final cleansing and disinfection of the

premises is completed or more than three months from the date of preliminary

cleansing and disinfection if this is sooner.

xi. Entry to and exit from restricted premises is normally permissible only

under licence but there is statutory provision for this requirement to be

discontinued or modified. It is therefore feasible to allow footpaths on

restricted premises to reopen whilst other restrictions (such as that which

prevents restocking) remain in force.

xii. It is therefore recommended that:

•Footpaths and bridleways which only cross the land of restricted premises

should be reopened as soon as the completion of final cleansing and

disinfection has been certified. However, footpaths which pass through

farmyards and buildings should be temporarily diverted, but if this cannot

be done, they should remain closed until supervised restocking has been

completed and restrictions lifted.

•If full cleansing and disinfection is being undertaken but has been delayed

then footpaths and bridleways which cross the land only may be reopened

3 months after the preliminary cleansing and disinfection. However,

footpaths which pass through farmyards and buildings should be

temporarily diverted, but if this cannot be done, they should remain closed

until supervised restocking has been completed and restrictions lifted.

•If full cleansing and disinfection is not being undertaken at all then

footpaths and bridleways which cross the land only may be opened 3

months after the preliminary cleansing and disinfection. However,

footpaths which pass through farmyards and buildings should be

temporarily diverted, but if this cannot be done, they should remain closed

until the restrictions are lifted..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Annex J

HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN

On suspicion of a FMD case (Amber Alert)

•The Head of the Veterinary Resource Division must inform the

Departmental Health and Safety Manager

•The Departmental Health and Safety Manager (DHSM) will notify

1) all competent safety professionals 1 working within Defra and its

Agencies and

2) the Chief Welfare Officer, requesting that they are on standby

On confirmation of FMD (Red Alert)

•The Departmental Health and Safety Manager will allocate a safety

professional(s) to be attached to each local LDCC. The name of this

person will be passed to the relevant ROD, as will the contact details of the

local welfare officer.

•DHSM will make contact with the NDCC and provide strategic safety

advice and guidance to the Deputy Director of the NDCC

•The DHSM will inform the Chief Agricultural Inspector of the Health and

Safety Executive of developments and will ensure liaison between Defra

and HSE is undertaken at a national level.

•Depending on the scale of the outbreak the DHSM will arrange for

assistance from external health and safety providers (to be finalised)

•The DHSM will ensure that relevant risk assessments and other

documentation/arrangements necessary to comply with legislation are

produced in relation to the work undertaken by Defra

ROLE OF THE SAFETY PROFESSIONAL IN EACH LDCC

•To act as Health and Safety Adviser at the LDCC advising and assisting

NDCC Managers to fulfil their H&S responsibilities

•To provide a contact / liaison point for H&S issues between the local LDCC

and national NDCC.

•To liase with the Departmental Health and Safety Manager and other

safety professionals as necessary to ensure parity of approach for H&S

issues across the Dept.

Job Functions of the Safety Adviser within the LDCC

The safety adviser attached to each LDCC will

•ensure that health and safety office is established with all necessary

facilities including telephone and PC Communications links, files,

documentation and dedicated administrative support

•establish lines of communication with NDCC via head of DHSU (or other

nominated safety professional in NDCC), with H&S professionals in other

LDCCs, with local HSE, and with H&S persons in other organisations

working with or under contract to Defra relevant to the locality of work.

1 those individuals who are employed by the Department as full time safety advisors and are members

of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

•establish a Health & Safety team within the locality, based on risk

(numbers will depend on size of emergency within any particular LDCC)

drawn from local staff with appropriate experience or from register of

available persons with H&S expertise. Any shortfall in numbers of available

staff will be identified by the safety professional, who will inform DHSU

•provide basic training to others to enable the health and safety team to

function appropriately

•undertake safety briefings for all staff from day one and ensure that

these are done on a sufficiently regular basis so that all are briefed on

health and safety issues, relevant to the risk, before starting work.

Records must be kept of those staff attending briefings

•organise and deliver under national guidelines (to be agreed via DHSU)

more in depth training and safety briefings for managers and

specialist groups locally e.g. Slaughter teams, C&D teams, Bleeding

teams and, if necessary, outside bodies which may include contractors

representatives and military personnel.

•ensure that basic health and safety information packs and other local

documentation are kept up to date and include centrally issued information

and are available / issued to all staff that need them. and as far as possible

records are kept of those staff issued with the documents

•ensure that there is health and safety documentation relevant for each

premises and that all safety reports, records and information are filed

appropriately.

• ensure visits to premises are undertaken by the local safety team to

carry out preliminary inspections,

•monitor compliance of health and safety procedures and assist and advise

managers on appropriate safety requirements relevant to the risk.

•attend management meetings /briefing and debriefing sessions and

ensure that Centre Managers and NDCC ( via DHSU) are kept informed

and advised on current and anticipated H&S issues and problem areas.

•monitor and assess the requirements for additional health & safety

support as situations develop/risk increases and ensure NDCC (via

DHSU) are kept appraised.

•ensure that the Departmental system for reporting and recording

accidents is in place and that all staff are aware of accident reporting

procedures and accidents are reported appropriately.(see HASAN 1)

•Ensure that all RIDDOR accidents / incidents are reported to HSE in line

with the requirements of the Regulations and Departmental policy

(HASAN1)

•assist with investigation of accidents and incidents liasing with HSE

and other outside bodies as necessary. Feed information back to NDCC

via DHSU so that Risk Assessments and work practices can be reviewed

and updated..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Annex K

PROCUREMENT GUIDANCE

To be added once finalised.DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

Annex L

BIOSECURITY ADVICE and GUIDANCE

Recommended precautions for anyone intending to enter

farms, agricultural lands or associated premises.

Introduction

Biosecurity is a system of controls that will prevent or minimise the risk

of introduction or spread of disease.

The animal diseases we need to control, such as foot-and-mouth disease, are

‘invisible risks’ caused by viruses, bacteria or other micro-organisms.

Biosecurity is the only defence against the potentially enormous damage that

these micro-organisms can cause, as we have just seen with the foot-and-mouth

disease epidemic.

Everyone associated with farm livestock, not just farmers, has a responsibility

to keep the industry safe. Whether visiting farm premises markets or

agricultural land you should observe (and be seen to observe) basic

biosecurity precautions.

You must bear in mind that there may be disease (not only FMD) present

on the land, or carried by stock, that you are visiting.

You should ensure that you have the following equipment with you

whenever you are visiting any farms or agricultural lands:

•Water container (full)

•Adequate supply of an approved disinfectant and an accurate means of

measuring for dilution.

•Sponge, brush, bucket, hand sprayer, supply of disposable suits, full

waterproofs, wellington boots and a supply of clinical waste bags

•If you are intending to use large plant equipment on a regular basis on

different agricultural premises then a pressure washer should considered.

This will not only save you time but will reduce the risk of removing any

potential contamination from the premises.

Regardless of the reason for your visit you should follow the basic rules

set out below before entering any farms or agricultural lands:

•Wear wellington boots (not leather).

• If handling stock, wear a waterproof jacket and trousers, (in hot weather

the waterproof jacket may be substituted for a disposable paper suit

Or:

a protective disposable suit may be worn for non-animal contact farm

visits..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

•Wash or spray your boots and waterproofs before entering the premises.

(using a hand or knapsack sprayer or footbath containing an approved

disinfectant)

•Take only what is essential onto the premises or land. Whatever you take

with you must be capable of being disinfected.

•Only in unavoidable circumstances should you drive your vehicle on to any

farm or agricultural land.

On Exiting from a Farm, Market or Agricultural Land you should:

•Remove all traces of organic matter from waterproofs, equipment, (this

includes any vehicles) wellingtons and yourself.

•Disinfect and remove protective clothing at the gate or as close to the

boundary of the farm or land as practicable.

•Wash wellingtons, waterproofs and equipment, including vehicles (always

the wheels and wheel arches but also any other area with gross

contamination) using an approved disinfectant.

•Place all items for disposal into a clinical waste bag, which should then be

sealed for disposal.

On Return at the end of your day.

•Dispose of any potentially contaminated waste in an approved manner-

this may be by burning or by arrangement with an approved contractor.

•Check all equipment used that day is clean and free from any traces of

organic matter, this includes your vehicle.

•Vehicles should be regularly cleaned inside and out to prevent any

possible build up of contamination.

•Keep dirty and clean equipment separate inside your vehicle. One idea is

to use the inside of the car for new and clean and the boot for dirty. By

adopting this simple method you will reduce the risk of cross

contamination.

FMD can be spread by:

• Direct contact with an infected animal.

• Airborne spread from an infected animal.

• Indirectly by infected material carried on vehicles’ tyres and wheel arches

(e.g. pick-ups, quad bikes, tractors, combines, trailers, any delivery vehicles,

milk tankers, feed and fertiliser lorries) persons, clothing, sheepdogs,

scavenging animals, vermin, machinery and any other equipment.

Quickly recognising clinical signs of FMD in livestock is vital to controlling the

disease and preventing it from spreading.

To prevent spread, the following precautions should be taken:

1. Keep the farm secure

•Have a sign directing visitors to the farmhouse..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

•Have the proper equipment (including pressure washers, brushes, hoses,

water and disinfectant) at your farm entrance(s) for visitors to use.

•Make sure your farm boundaries are secure. Straying animals could carry

infection to or from your stock. Pests and vermin can spread disease.

Ensure that feed is securely stored to avoid unwanted vermin activity.

2. Keep yourself clean

•The FMD virus can survive on surfaces such as hands, hair, boots and

clothing.

•If your livestock are at several locations, keep separate clothing / overalls

for each group.

•Remove any mud or dung from footwear before applying approved

disinfectant.

•Make sure that disinfectant footbaths are kept clean and that disinfectant is

changed regularly. Keep footbaths covered so that rain does not dilute the

disinfectant.

•After handling animals, cleaning and disinfecting clothing, footwear and

equipment, wash your hands with soap and water.

If returning from other livestock or a livestock farm away from your farm,

change your clothes and footwear before you visit your own animals.

3. Keep unnecessary vehicles away

•Infected material can be carried anywhere on the vehicle or its load, as

well as on the driver’s hands, clothes or footwear.

•Ensure visitors park at a safe point outside the farm’s entrance. Have a

disinfecting point at the farm’s entrance/exit points for visitors to disinfect

footwear and equipment.

•If a vehicle has to come onto your farm the vehicle must be thoroughly

disinfected and, if possible, parked away from livestock.

4. Clean and disinfect

•All vehicles and trailers must be cleaned before entering and leaving your

farm. Firstly, use water to wash off all mud before applying disinfectant. If

the vehicle is dirty, disinfectant will not kill the virus. Ensure that the

wheels and wheel arches are properly cleaned.

•Make sure the inside of the vehicle is cleaned as well, including the foot

wells, pedals and mats. Clean all areas used for carrying other things

such as feed, bedding or equipment.

5. Avoid visiting other farms

•Visiting other farms risks spreading the disease. If this is unavoidable,

follow the cleaning and disinfecting advice.

•Relief milkers, stockmen and contractors should follow all these

precautions..DEFRA’s FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLAN

•Take as little onto the farm as possible and, if you can, wear boots and

clothing supplied by your neighbour. Your dog could be carrying infective

material on its fur or feet, so it is best left at home.

•Avoid driving through dung, slurry or manure on the road. If any material

falls from your vehicle then, if possible, sweep it off the road so other

vehicles, people or animals cannot pick it up and cause the disease to

spread further.

6. Look for early signs of disease

•Carry out regular inspections of your animals. Make sure that they are

properly restrained and that there is enough light to examine their mouth,

feet and teats and check temperatures.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, CONTACT YOUR

LOCAL ANIMAL HEALTH OFFICE. AN ON-CALL 24-HOUR

SERVICE IS PROVIDED FOR EMERGENCIES.