Animal health 2003

Chapter B2 Tuberculosis (TB) in cattle

Historical Overview of TB

Five-Point Strategy

Overview of Work on Bovine TB in 2003

Summary of Bovine TB Statistics for 2003

Randomised Badger Culling Trial

General TB Research

Central Science Laboratory (CSL) Research: Tuberculosis

TB in Animals other than Cattle and Badgers

Wildlife survey in Cumbria

TB Compensation/Valuation

Chapter B3 Rabies Prevention and Control

Quarantine

Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

EU Regulation

Rabies in bats

Chapter B4 Consumer Protection

UK Zoonoses Group

Zoonoses 59

Residue Surveillance

Horse Passports

Section C Exotic, endemic and new and emerging disease surveillance

Chapter C1 Exotic diseases

Anthrax 68

Aujesky’s disease

Bluetongue

Brucellosis 72

Classical Swine Fever and African Swine Fever

Enzootic Bovine Leukosis

Section E Animal welfare on farm, during transport, at market and at slaughter

Chapter E1 Animal Welfare

On-Farm Inspections

Markets 112

Transport, Markets and Slaughter

Research and Development

Global Participation

Animal Welfare Bill

Farm Animal Welfare Council

The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966

Section F Appendices

Senior management structure of Animal Health and Welfare Directorate-General 119

The Role of the State Veterinary Service

Senior management structure of the State Veterinary Service

The Role of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency

Veterinary Surveillance Strategy – outline delivery plan

Citizen’s Charter

Statistical tables

Legislation 130

Selected publications

Map showing Veterinary Laboratories Agency and Scottish Agricultural College laboratories

Map showing State Veterinary Service headquarters and Animal Health Divisional Offices in Great Britain

Defra offices 150

Abbreviations and acronyms

Section A: Strategic overview

Chapter A1: Animal health and welfare strategy

Following the commitment by all three administrations in their responses to the FMD Inquiries and taking forward the strategies to support a sustainable agricultural sector¹, a comprehensive Animal Health and Welfare Strategy (AHWS) for Great Britain is being developed by Defra, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government. A separate but complementary strategy for animal health and welfare is being produced in Northern Ireland, which retains important links with the Republic of Ireland for disease control purposes.

Consultation exercise Outline of an Animal Health and

Following a round of informal discussions ^{Welfare Strategy with some stakeholders, a formal GB wide} The feedback from this scoping exercise led

consultation document was issued in January _{to the publication for consultation of an}2003. The consultation aimed to gather

Outline of an Animal Health and Welfare ^{views about what the strategy should cover,} Strategy on 15 July 2003. The outline strategythe roles and responsibilities of key players,

and what the long-term vision for a sustainable future for animal health and welfare in Britain should look like. The set out a vision for the future of animal

health and welfare in 10 years time, with the

aim of improving, where appropriate, the

health and welfare of kept animals and ^{consultation attracted 188 responses and} protecting public health from animal disease. ended on 3 April 2003.

The strategy is not just for Government but

As well as the written consultation Defra, _{establishes a framework which draws all}

^{the Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly} stakeholders into achieving a shared vision ^{Government (WAG), held sector-based} over the next 10 years. It establishes the roles meetings (e.g. dairy, poultry, beef, wildlife, _{and responsibilities of all parties and a} welfare etc) and a series of regional workshops _{process for agreeing priorities and monitoring} attended by around 400 stakeholders and _{progress. Five strategic outcomes were} customers. The purpose of these was to _{identified which the strategy hopes to}gather information on sector priorities and

achieve:

long term aims, and to identify regional issues to ensure that the strategy is flexible _{• a clear understanding of roles and} enough to address such concerns. _{responsibilities;}

1 Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food (Defra), Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture, Farming for the Future (Wales).

• a new partnership approach;
• promotion of animal health and welfare: prevention better than cure;
• a clearer understanding of costs and benefits of animal health and welfare; and
• effective delivery and enforcement.

The strategy is underpinned by the principle of partnership between the Government and all those involved in and affected by animal health and welfare. It sets out the rationale for Government intervention and the factors that will help inform Government decisions on animal health and welfare alongside the principles for sharing risks and costs.

New initiatives

As part of the outline strategy 16 new initiatives were identified which seek to fulfil the strategy’s vision and strategic outcomes. A number of the new initiatives work towards an integrated approach to disease prevention, for example, through enhanced veterinary surveillance and farm health planning.

Farm Health Planning

In July 2003 a consultation was conducted on a draft Action Plan for Positive Animal Health. This set out how Defra intends to work in partnership with the livestock industry, the veterinary profession and other key stakeholders to encourage the wider use of farm health planning and to raise standards in disease prevention and welfare. The draft action plan described how Defra, working with the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG), intends to implement five of the initiatives introduced by the outline Animal Health Welfare Strategy.

These initiatives include:

• a review of best practice in disease prevention in GB;
• a study of the costs and benefits of disease prevention and control practices for selected diseases;
• review of training and advice in animal husbandry and disease prevention; and
• dissemination of research knowledge.

In taking forward these initiatives, the Department will also be working closely with the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD).

In developing this draft action plan there were a number of meetings with key interested parties, vets, livestock farming groups, farm assurance schemes, colleges, animal health distributors and food retailers. After listening carefully to the views of those at different stages of the food chain, and those who play a vital supporting role in animal health, the draft action plan has received broad support from those consulted.

Farm health planning is considered the best way forward in reducing the burden of disease that commonly affect herds and flocks on an everyday basis, as well as helping prevent the establishment of exotic diseases. A number of livestock and veterinary organisations have done much to promote this approach.

Studies are currently being set up and key organisations have been invited to participate in the stakeholder working group. It is important that these initiatives are implemented in partnership and encourage joint ownership of disease control issues.

The Working Group on Vets and Veterinary Services

The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee report on Vets and Veterinary Services was published on 15 October 2003. The report responded to concerns about whether there are enough large farm animal practitioners. The Committee noted that the economics of farming is leading to less use of veterinary services, reducing the attractiveness of large animal practice both to established veterinary practitioners and those entering the profession. These concerns are driven, in part, by the risk that a reduced level of veterinary influence in livestock farming will make any future outbreak of an exotic disease harder to detect.

The Committee conclusions and recommendations overlap with many of the issues under consideration as part of the development of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy. In one of its new initiatives the outline strategy proposed the creation of a working group, in partnership with the veterinary profession and their customers, to consider the report’s conclusions and recommendations. The EFRA Committee supported this proposal and identified areas for consideration in its report. The working group will consider a wider range of issues than the EFRA Committee’s conclusions – eg the role of paraprofessionals – and will report by Summer 2004. The group’s findings will inform Defra’s response to the EFRA Committee.

Stakeholder Sectoral Sub-strategies

On 2 December 2003 the pig industry launched the Pig Health and Welfare Strategy. This strategy is being developed by the pig sector with support from Defra allowing industry to recognise their own priorities for animal health and welfare. Work is being carried out to encourage other sectors to develop their own strategies as the pig sector has done. This is in keeping with the Outline Animal Health and Welfare Strategy which encouraged sectors to consider producing their own strategies.

Implementation plans

In order to demonstrate how the whole strategy is progressing separate Implementation Plans for England, Scotland and Wales were published for consultation on 12 December 2003. These set out how the new initiatives are being taken forward. They also show how all current work carried Beyond the publication date the Department will continue to work in partnership with all those involved in animal health and welfare. Further information is available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/ahws/defaul t.htm, or by contacting:

For England

Animal Health and Welfare Strategy & Delivery Division Defra Area 701 1a Page Street London SW1P 4PQ Telephone: 020 7904 6126 Email: ah.ws@defra.gsi.gov.uk

For Scotland

Animal Health and Welfare Division Room 345a Pentland House 47 Robbs Loan Edinburgh EH14 1TY Telephone: 0131 244 4198

For Wales

Animal and Plant Health Policy Division Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department Welsh Assembly Government Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ Email: animalhealth@ wales.gsi.gov.uk

out by government in animal health and welfare can be brigaded under the strategy. Following the consultation the implementation plan for England will be developed and updated for publication in light of the final strategy in 2004. It is hoped that the implementation plans will be a useful and accessible source of information for all those involved in animal health and welfare. It is envisaged that they will be an important part of the strategy updated annually, to report on progress as the strategy evolves.

Next steps

Following analyses of the responses to the Outline Strategy, an Interim Strategy Steering Board, which includes representatives of the livestock industry, veterinary profession and animal welfare interests, was formed to oversee the development of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain. Arrangements are now well advanced for a formal launch of the strategy in June 2004.

Chapter A2 Veterinary surveillance strategy

Veterinary surveillance can be defined as ‘the on-going systematic collection and collation of useful information about disease, infection, intoxication or welfare in a defined animal population, closely integrated with timely analysis and dissemination of relevant outputs to stakeholders, including those responsible for control and preventative measures’.

Background

The purpose of veterinary surveillance is to detect changes in these areas in the animal population, in particular:

• outbreaks of exotic diseases;

• the appearance of a new disease, particularly one which may have zoonotic potential; and
• changes in the occurrence or effects of known conditions.

Veterinary surveillance systematically gathers information on the location and quantity of animal diseases or other conditions, so that the threat to animal or human health can be assessed and tracked. The Veterinary Surveillance Strategy (VSS) aims to coordinate and improve the way this is done, in order to provide timely evidence for those deciding on the best approaches to disease prevention and control.

Nomenclature

Surveillance has traditionally been described as either ‘active’ or ‘passive’. However, since these terms can be confusing the strategy adopts the terms ‘targeted’ and ‘scanning’.

• Targeted surveillance collects specific information about a defined disease or condition so that its level can be measured or its absence monitored.

• Scanning surveillance maintains a continuous watch over the endemic disease profile so that unexpected changes can be recognised.

Strategic goals

The strategy entitled Partnership, Priorities and Professionalism was launched on 22 October 2003 by the Chief Veterinary Officer (UK) and Chairman of the UK Surveillance Group on Diseases and Infections of Animals. It is one of the key cross-cutting new initiatives identified within the draft Animal Health and Welfare Strategy. The VSS contains five strategic goals:

1. To strengthen collaboration, with a comprehensive network of interested parties working in partnership, in the planning and funding of surveillance activities, in collecting and sharing samples and data, and in the delivery of relevant and intelligible reports. The network includes collaborators from across Government including the human health and food safety authorities as well as private sector partners.
2. To develop a new process to enable open, transparent and risk-based prioritisation of

surveillance activities. This is based on surveillance ‘profiles’, each of which summarises key information about a disease, indicator or group of similar conditions. This will include its epidemiology, importance to different stakeholders, availability of different tests, pertinent legislation, existing surveillance and a qualitative risk analysis. The profiles will be assigned a risk and impact score which will form the basis for proposals for ranking different surveillance topics in order of priority.

1. To derive better value from surveillance information and activities by improving the handling and sharing of data. RADAR (Rapid Analysis and Detection of Animal-related Risks), a new integrated information management system to support veterinary surveillance activities, will be developed over the next 10 years. It will increasingly be used to capture data from a wider range of existing systems and data sources, and to collate and analyse the data using epidemiological and mathematical modelling techniques to produce risk models and a variety of other relevant outputs.
2. To share information more widely with RADAR becoming an increasingly important tool.
3. To enhance the quality assurance of outputs with a ‘flag’ that describes the quality and limitations of each output.

Through these goals the strategy aims to deliver faster, better-targeted disease prevention and control measures via:

• earlier warning and more rapid detection of animal-related threats;

• open, transparent and defensible prioritisation of surveillance activities; and

• a clear, well-defined evidence base taken from surveillance activities and reports.

Public Consultation

The consolidated report containing the responses to the public consultation on the proposed strategy for enhancing veterinary surveillance was published in October 2003 and can be accessed from the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/ veterinary/response.pdf

Delivery Plan

An outline of the delivery plan for the next 10 years in the Appendices shows the expected milestones for each strategic goal at this time. These milestones become more tentative in later years and are dependent on the availability of necessary resources and obtaining any necessary legislative changes. A review of progress is given below.

Progress to date

Business Assurance Groups

Four groups, comprising of key stakeholders with an interest in each of the five strategic goals, all met for the first time in September 2003. Their role is to work in partnership with Government as the 10 year programme of work for the strategy is delivered. In particular, they will help review current thinking, contribute ideas and develop and review the programme of work. A full report of the first four workshops held in September is available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/ veterinary/ bagsreport.pdf

Disease Profiles

Response to the prototype template for the production of disease profiles has been very favourable and will be further reviewed and validated by the Business Assurance Groups. These profiles are central to the strategy and capture information on diseases or other conditions considered for surveillance, enabling surveillance activities to be prioritised in a transparent and risk-based way.

RADAR Prototype

The new RADAR integrated information management system, designed to support veterinary surveillance activities, has been demonstrated as a prototype to over thirty groups during 2003. These groups covered a range of interested parties such as the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) Biennial Conference, the Association of Veterinary Teachers and Research Workers, various specialist veterinary societies and the South West Chamber of Rural Enterprise, among many others. The prototype was developed to provide ‘proof of technical concept’ and to help show the potential of the ‘full’ system. The development work on phase one of the full RADAR system is now underway.

Data Sharing

It is vital for the success of the strategy that ‘owners’ of observations or data, on animals or animal diseases, contribute to the RADAR resource. Fundamental to securing their confidence is the agreement of a data-sharing protocol to take account of many issues including the Data Protection Act, data validation, and data access permission. This has been discussed and will be finalised with the Business Assurance Groups.

Pig Infertility

In late 2002 there were reports of unexplained infertility in pig breeding herds which was felt to be more severe than the seasonal infertility often recognised in autumn. In response to concerns that this might represent a new syndrome, a questionnaire survey of practising veterinary surgeons was conducted throughout the UK in February and March 2003. This involved co-operation between the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), SAC, SEERAD, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland (DARDNI), and Defra, and was the first time that such a co-ordinated UK-wide investigation had been attempted.

Unexplained infertility was reported in 163 of 937 herds represented in the responses, and most of these herds (152) were located in England. The condition was characterised by increased returns to service, reduced farrowing rates and reduced numbers of pigs born, with no clear parity pattern. A project began in October 2003 to carry out a detailed investigation in 20 pig herds with unexplained infertility and this is ongoing.

Further Information

Further information on the VSS can be obtained at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/ animalh/diseases/veterinary/index.htm

Chapter A3 Animal Health and Welfare Research

The Department commissions research to provide scientific evidence in support of policy making. Results from on-going and completed scientific research are also used to provide strategic advice and support to regulatory measures. In the field of animal health and welfare, research projects have become progressively more closely aligned with Defra and the EU’s policy objectives of sustainable

agriculture and environmental diversity.

Supporting the animal health and welfare programmes over the year there was a wide range of research projects covering a diversity of areas from antimicrobial resistance to sustainable welfare practices for livestock. A list of current research in these programmes is available at www.defra.gov.uk/science. The broad categories and distribution of research funding within programmes are outlined in Table A3.1.

Prioritisation

The allocation of research funding is prioritised in line with key Departmental aims and over the year has focused increasingly on public health, exotic animal diseases and sustainable environment issues. Research commissioning has also been aligned with the main policy programmes to help implement the new Animal Health and Welfare Strategy. Risk assessments and cost benefit analyses are being used increasingly to guide policies and strategies. Scientific data is usually a critical input in this process, where appropriate research funding has therefore been directed to generating the required information and data in a number of areas for both current and future risk assessment needs.

During 2003/04 the Defra Science Directorate built programmes of work through consultation to address both forward look and horizon scanning issues that might affect the Department in future. The Animal Health and Welfare Directorate General has been actively engaged in this process to identify future needs and increase pro-active research as an aid to management of animal health issues.

Impact on EU decision making

Defra research made a significant impact on EU decision making through Standing Scientific Committees and other advisory bodies. Particularly important was research on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) both to the EU Commission and the World Organisation for Animal Health. The Directorate also encourages scientists to participate in EU funded Framework Programmes to obtain maximum benefit from this research. The current EU programme encompassing all areas of research is Framework Six which runs from 2003 to 2006. Information on this and other

Table A3.1: Main animal health and welfare research activities and associated budget allocations for the financial year 2003/2004 (in £,000’s)

Veterinary Science Programme

Statutory and exotic diseases

Zoonoses

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs)

Endemic diseases and alternatives to pharmaceutical control

Veterinary medicine Animal welfare

1 Veterinary Training Research Initiative 2 Newcastle Disease Virus

agriculture and animal health programmes can be found at www.cordis.lu/fp6. The EU Framework Seven programme will follow on from 2007 to 2010. The Department made representations to ensure that the topics in this programme included subjects that are relevant to animal health and welfare in Britain.

Independent advisory bodies

Over the year the Department has made further progress with taking up recommendations to Government from a number of independent advisory bodies including the Committee of Enquiry into Veterinary Research, chaired by Lord Selborne, the Royal Society Inquiry On Infectious Diseases in Livestock, and Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) Reports.

Following last year’s announcement of Defra’s joint funding of the Veterinary Training Research Initiative with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC), the funders have made a commitment to spend £4.3m for the next five years on supporting programmes that develop further veterinary training and research in GB. The funders, guided by an independent selection panel, have completed the selection process and hope to begin funding five new initiatives from April 2004. The grants are aimed at improving defined areas of animal health research and developing expertise which will be available to advise the Government. They were due to be awarded to veterinary schools across Great Britain.

Section B: Protection of public health in relation to food safety and diseases transmissible to humans

Chapter B1: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and other Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs)

The decline in the BSE epidemic continues. Reports of clinical suspects are decreasing as is the proportion of slaughtered suspects in which disease is confirmed. The targeted surveillance programme also provides valuable additional information on the prevalence of disease and results also indicate a similar decline in the number of cases identified. The number of animals tested under the targeted surveillance programme increased during the last year.

Scrapie has been present in this country for over 200 years with no indication of any risk to human health. However, in light of the link between BSE and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), scrapie has assumed a much greater significance. Sheep are likely to have been exposed to the same infected feed that resulted in BSE in cattle. There is therefore a theoretical possibility that BSE is present in sheep. In scrapie, infection can be found in a wide variety of tissues and there is evidence of horizontal transmission. If BSE were present in sheep and if it behaved as scrapie, it would present a potential threat to human health. Much of the current international interest in scrapie is a result of this possibility. Cases of natural scrapie in GB are examined for any evidence of BSE using the latest laboratory techniques.

The BSE epidemic Among the animals slaughtered as suspects,

the proportion in which disease is confirmed ^{The decline in the epidemic continues. In} has been declining since the 1990s. In 20032003, disease was confirmed in 175 animals _{it had fallen to around 41%.} presented as clinical suspects (scanning surveillance). A further 374 cases were confirmed from 394,685 animals tested in BSE cases born after the reinforced feed the targeted surveillance programme. This ban of 1996

^{compares with the 2002 figures of 445} BSE was confirmed in 41 animals born after clinical cases and 594 cases from testing _{1 August 1996, the date from which the} 332,471 animals in the targeted surveillance _{reinforced feed ban was thought to be} programme.

effective. Of these, 11 were animals presented as clinical suspects and 30 were detected in the targeted surveillance programme.

The origin of infection for these animals is not yet clear. Maternal transmission is one possibility but would not account for more than a few cases. The geographical distribution is different to that of confirmed cases born before August 1996 and suggests a more random exposure to infection. The most likely possibility is considered to be exposure through contaminated imported feed ingredients prior to the introduction of tighter regulation, which came into force in the other EU countries in 2001.

A case control study is to be carried out to identify risk factors associated with infection. A pilot for the study was set up in 2003, to be run in the early part of 2004.

Recognition of moderate risk status

Although there has not yet been any formal EU classification of the BSE status of countries under the EU TSE Regulations, the UK is considered as falling into the ‘high risk’ category as defined by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE). This was originally defined as an incidence of clinically presented BSE cases in excess of 100 cases per million cattle over two years old per year.

*The result on one case from 2003 is pending

The OIE have since amended this level to include additional cases identified by targeted surveillance programmes and it is now 200 cases per million cattle (where targeted surveillance is carried out).

The OIE have not specified how many animals should be tested by targeted surveillance, but the UK figures have been adjusted to give the number of cases that would be expected if all cattle over 30 months of age were tested at slaughter. The methodology for this calculation has been submitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for comment. According to this method of calculation the incidence of BSE fell below the 200 cases per million threshold during September 2003.

Subject to a satisfactory assessment of our BSE controls by the European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), this should lead to recognition of the UK as a country of ‘moderate’ BSE risk status. The benefits of a change in status should include the right to trade in bovine products on the same basis as other EU Member States. This should include the abolition of the beef export ban, the Date Based Export Scheme for beef of UK origin and the Export Approved (XAP) Scheme for the export of beef of non-UK origin.

Scrapie

The number of reported cases of scrapie declined from mid-2003, possibly reflecting awareness of impending compulsory flock controls under EU Regulation 999/2001 (as amended). The numbers of confirmed field cases are indicated in Table B1.1.

In addition to the confirmed results, 42 samples collected in the abattoir and fallen stock surveys (see the section on Targeted Surveillance for TSEs) gave ‘unconfirmed’ results. Of these, 35 were abattoir samples, three were from fallen stock and four were from animals dead in transit. These ‘unconfirmed’ cases are those which tested positive by the Bio-Rad Platelia ELISA but negative by immunohistochemistry (IHC), an OIE approved diagnostic method. Some of the unconfirmed brainstem samples were from sheep with PrP genotypes not normally associated with scrapie. Investigations into these cases are continuing in conjunction with colleagues from other countries.

Experimental transmission of BSE to sheep

In 2003, the Institute of Animal Health (IAH), Compton reported that BSE had been experimentally reproduced in three out of 19 sheep of the ARR/ARR genotype which had been inoculated intracerebrally with 0.05g BSE-infected cattle brain. They also found that ARR/ARR and ARR/ARQ sheep orally dosed with 5g of BSE-infected bovine brain homogenate had not developed clinical signs of BSE at five years post challenge, whereas ARQ/ARQ (scrapie susceptible) sheep had all succumbed between 1.7 and 3.1 years.

The transmission of BSE to ARR/ARR sheep by the unnatural route of intracerebral inoculation indicates resistance is not

absolute.

UK Contingency Plan

The UK has been preparing a draft contingency plan for action in the event that BSE is identified in sheep or goats. This plan has been developed with the assistance of the Department of Health (DH), the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Devolved Administrations, and will be subject to public consultation in 2004.

Results of postal survey of sheep farmers in 2002

This survey in October 2002 indicated that 1% of respondents considered that they had experienced a case of scrapie in the previous 12 months. This is in comparison to 2.7% similar in a 1998 survey. It is not yet known whether this represents a true change.

The National Scrapie Plan

The National Scrapie Plan (NSP) is now into its third year of testing, and almost 900,000 animals were genotyped by the end of 2003. The plan combines scrapie gene testing and selective breeding to increase the proportion of scrapie resistant sheep in British flocks. Since the launch of the NSP in 2001 several new initiatives have been introduced. Extensive information on the plan is published on the internet at: www.defra.gov.uk/nsp

Ram Genotyping Scheme

The Ram Genotyping Scheme for pure-bred registered and non-registered flocks has received some 10,000 applications since being launched in July 2001, with over 300,000 animals sampled in 2003 and some 10,000 completed visits.

Rare Breeds Genotype Survey

The NSP has been working in partnership with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) to carry out a full analysis of the genotype results obtained so far from rare breed flocks. The outcome of this detailed study will help to inform our future scrapie control strategies for rare breeds under the NSP. Until this research is complete, and as a temporary measure pending the outcome of this research, all appeals against the slaughter requirement for rams with a VRQ genotype, from those RBST members who have joined the scheme, will be automatically accepted.

Soay sheep were one of the rare breeds surveyed

Ewe Genotyping Service

Between December 2002 and March 2003 some 160,000 ewes were blood tested but not electronic identification (EID) bolused, as part of the Ewe Genotyping Service. The service operated to better inform future breeding decisions of NSP members.

Scrapie-affected flocks

Sheep producers whose flocks have had a confirmed case of scrapie between July 1998 and October 2003 will be invited to join the NSP Voluntary Scrapie Flocks Scheme (VSFS) for historically scrapie-affected flocks. Expressions of Interest forms were issued to 461 producers eligible for the Scheme in December 2003 and over 170 positive responses have been received. The intention is to launch the scheme in April 2004. Farmers will be able to engage their flocks in a breeding programme that will increase levels of genetic resistance to scrapie. This will be achieved through the selective use of scrapie resistant breeding rams and by avoiding the use of breeding ewes with the most susceptible genotypes. Scrapie susceptible animals identified on these farms will be culled and replaced with more resistant stock.

A new EU TSE Regulation requires compulsory action on farms with a case of scrapie reported and confirmed after 1 October 2003. The EU measures are similar in many respects to the VSFS but more onerous in terms of movement restrictions and the length of time those restrictions apply. A public consultation has been carried out on how it is proposed to implement the EU measures and it is hoped that the outcome of that consultation will be announced shortly. Legislation to enforce the EU regulation should be in place by July 2004, and this legislation is not retrospective.

Farmers who have a case of scrapie reported and confirmed between 1 October 2003 and July 2004 will be invited to comply with the EU measures on a voluntary basis. If they do not wish to take this course of action they may be invited to join the VSFS.

Semen testing

The semen testing service, which was launched in July 2002, has so far resulted in the NSP receiving 151 applications. So far 341 animals have been sampled and 328 results have been returned.

Semen archive

In order to conserve semen from scrapie-susceptible sheep a semen archive has been initiated by Defra. This could be used in the event that harmful traits are observed due to selective breeding for the ARR/ARR genotype.

Flock registration framework

EU legislation requires the establishment of a voluntary framework to recognise the TSE resistant status of certain sheep flocks. British rural affairs Departments consider that a two-tier system of recognition which complies solely with the EU minimum requirement would not sufficiently represent our stratified sheep industry. A public consultation exercise included proposals to go beyond the EU minimum requirements. We will be publicising the outcomes of that exercise and the benefits of membership of the registration framework in 2004.

Strategic review

Work began to develop a long-term strategy for the NSP in consultation with stakeholders, not least to ensure that Britain is in a position to meet its EU obligations to have introduced a compulsory genotype based breeding programme by April 2005.

Field capability

Around 180 State Veterinary Service (SVS) Animal Health officers have been trained and certified for NSP work. In addition, more than 370 local veterinary inspectors and 39 Veterinary Officers have attended the NSP’s training sessions.

Shows & sales

The NSP was present at a total of 30 events during 2003. Twelve were shows and 18 were sales. The aim was to raise awareness of members and potential members of the NSP to the impending introduction of compulsory EU legislation. The Royal Welsh Show continued to be a successful event for the NSP.

Targeted surveillance for TSEs

EU Member States have been carrying out targeted surveillance for TSEs since 2001 in accordance with the requirements in the EU TSE Regulation 999/2001 (as amended).

Cattle testing

Cattle surveillance continued throughout 2003 and the following categories of cattle were tested for evidence of BSE during the year:

• all cattle over 30 months of age which were slaughtered for human consumption (this is a small number of Beef Assurance Scheme cattle slaughtered between 30 and 42 months old);
• all fallen stock aged over 24 months;
• all casualty animals aged over 24 months;
• all healthy cattle slaughtered under the Over Thirty Months Scheme (OTMS) born

after 31 July 1996 and aged over

42 months; and

• a random sample of 10,000 animals from the OTMS, born before August 1996.

Samples for brain from these animals were tested using an EU approved rapid test. All positive or inconclusive samples were tested again using approved confirmatory tests.

Sheep and goat testing

The following categories of sheep and goats were tested for scrapie during 2003:

• a random selection of 60,000 sheep aged over 18 months, and slaughtered for human consumption (the sheep abattoir survey);
• a random selection of 240 goats aged over 18 months and slaughtered for human consumption (the goat abattoir survey);
• a random selection of 6,000 fallen sheep aged over 18 months (the sheep fallen stock survey); and
• a random selection of 24 fallen goats aged over 18 months (the goat fallen stock survey).

Over Thirty Month (OTM) review

The Food Standards Agency recommended to Ministers in July 2003 that it would be acceptable on public health grounds to replace the OTM rule with BSE testing of cattle older than thirty months, in two stages. Cattle born after 1 August 1996 could be allowed into the food chain, after being tested for BSE, at the earliest from January 2004, with complete replacement of the rule from July 2005. Delay to July 2005 was to allow time to cull the cohorts of BSE

Table B1.2: Results from targeted surveillance for BSE in cattle in Great Britain during 2003

Table B1.3: Results from targeted surveillance for scrapie in sheep and goats in Great Britain during 2003

cases born before August 1996, as required by EU rules. Cohort animals are defined as animals born in the same herd as, and in the 12 months either before or after, a BSE case, or animals reared with and which received the same feed as a BSE case during the first 12 months of life.

Rural Affairs Ministers have judged that it would be impossible to trace cohorts of all BSE cases born before 1 August 1996 and so decided to limit any changes to the OTM rule to animals born after 31 July 1996. As at the end of December 2003, Health Ministers were considering FSA advice.

Preparations for testing

Preparations for additional testing in fresh meat abattoirs, should the OTM rule be replaced by testing for cattle born after August 1996, are well advanced. Detailed work to resolve practical issues is ongoing through project working groups. Regular meetings are also held with core stakeholders to update them on progress of the OTM review, and any practical issues regarding TSE testing.

If Health Ministers agree to a change to the OTM rule in principle, they will wish to ensure that the testing infrastructure and processes in place are robust and reliable before any legislation to amend the rule can be laid in Parliament. To provide this evidence, a four-stage trial of the testing procedures has been proposed. This would entail first trialling all stages individually; then the whole process in a small number of fresh meat abattoirs; thirdly, trials on at least two days of the whole process in any individual abattoir wishing to process OTM cattle; and finally a post-implementation independent audit as recommended by the FSA with monthly reports for six months.

National Feed Survey

The current National Feed Audit (NFA) project is a successor to the feed survey set up in 1996. The project monitors and enforces the exclusion of prohibited material from farmed animal feed at all stages of production and distribution, and is regarded as central to the eradication of BSE. The Defra BSE delivery plan notes that moderate risk status will not be achieved unless the Commission is content that the feed controls are operating effectively. For the third successive year, an FVO mission scheduled for 26 April 2004 will check on these controls.

Animal by-products

Animal by-products are animal carcasses, parts of animal carcasses and products of animal origin which are not intended for human consumption. The new Animal By-Products Regulations 2003 came into force in Great Britain on:

• England – 1 July 2003 (SI No 2003/1482);
• Scotland – 1 October 2003 (SSI 2003/411); and
• Wales – 1 November 2003 (WSI No 2003/2756 (W.267)).

The Regulations administer and enforce the EU Animal By-Products Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 which came into effect on 3 October 2002, and replaced Council Directive 90/667/EEC. The new Regulation is an animal and public health measure which tightens the rules for the collection, transport, storage, handling, processing, use and disposal of animal by-products across the EU. During the course of the year, the Government negotiated a number of transitional and supplementary measures which allow certain sectors of the industry sufficient time to adjust to the requirements of the Regulation, and which amend or supplement the Regulation in the light of scientific or other developments.

Under the new Regulation, animal by-products fall into three categories. Categories 1 and 2 are equivalent to specified risk material (SRM) and the previous ‘high risk’ animal waste, with Category 3 by-products (essentially fit for human consumption) corresponding to ‘low risk’ waste. The Regulation sets out the permitted outlets and disposal routes for each category of material and the construction, operational and treatment standards with which approved outlets must comply.

National Fallen Stock Scheme

The Regulation bans the burial and burning of animal by-products including fallen stock, except in legally defined remote areas or in certain circumstances during an outbreak of notifiable disease. In order to assist with the extra costs this could incur for some farmers, and following extensive consultations with the industry, the Government announced in July 2003 that it would set up a company limited by guarantee to run a voluntary National Fallen Stock Scheme. In the longer term the Scheme will be run and financed entirely by industry but there will be initial assistance from Government during the first three years, which will be paid on a digressive basis. It is planned to launch the Scheme in Autumn 2004.

Composting and biogas plants

Recognising the need to provide alternative environmentally sustainable outlets for animal by-products, the regulation permits the treatment of certain animal by-products in approved composting and biogas plants.

The regulation also allows Member States to apply national rules for the treatment of catering waste (kitchen waste from households and restaurants) in composting and biogas plants. Following a risk assessment, the Animal By-Products Regulations 2003 introduced suitable national rules.

Application forms for the permitted outlets were made available towards the end of the year, and the SVS began inspecting premises with a view to re-approving those premises which comply with the regulation. The Meat Hygiene Service (MHS), which enforces the legislation in licensed slaughterhouses and cutting plants, was provided with instructions. Defra also provided training on the Regulation to local authorities (which enforce the legislation elsewhere) and the SVS (which issues approvals). The Environment Agency, the FSA and the MHS also took part in this training in order to raise awareness of their respective roles in respect to animal by-products. Guidance on a range of issues has also been made available on the Defra website http://www.defra.gov.uk/ animalh/by-prods.

Livestock identification

Livestock Identification and Tracing Programme

A Livestock Identification and Tracing (LIT) Programme has been established to improve the way in which Government gathers and then uses data on livestock animals. This programme will significantly change the way we trace livestock through new IT systems, alongside new policy developments, much of which is driven by developments within the EU. It is one of the Defra programmes considered to be ‘Mission Critical’ by the Government.

Tagged calf and cow

The Programme aims to improve the quality, accuracy, availability and timeliness of livestock data, which will in turn deliver increased benefits for Government and the livestock industry in the areas of disease control, subsidy payment checking and Government and livestock industry efficiency. Key targets include 50% (by volume) of cattle information and 20% (by volume) of all livestock information to be transacted electronically by the end of 2005.

The LIT Programme will bring together livestock information held across Government through a series of individual projects, with the main aim being to develop a corporate register of key livestock data that can be accessed and used by Government, livestock industry and other customers. This should be ready for delivery in 2006 and early developments in 2003 include upgrading the Cattle Tracing System (CTS) and the Animal Movements Licensing System (AMLS).

Sheep and goat identification

On 17 December 2003, the EU agreed a regulation on improved sheep and goat identification, and this comes into force on 9July 2005. We secured major concessions to the original proposal to ensure that the EU system agreed was practical and workable for the British sheep and goat industry.

The concessions, subject to European Commission approval, included removing the requirement for individual animal recording on paper documents, and a provision to allow Member States to maintain their national systems of identification until 1 January 2008 when electronic identification for sheep becomes mandatory.

Pig identification

New legislation enhancing the pig identification rules came into force in England from 1 November 2003. The new rules follow a review of the pig identification legislation in light of the presentation of an unidentified suspect FMD pig at a slaughterhouse in July 2002. The new rules require all pigs under 12 months moving direct to slaughter and all pigs over 12 months moving to any destination to be identified with a Defra herdmark.

Chapter B2: Tuberculosis (TB) in cattle

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease of humans and animals caused by several species of the Mycobacteriaceae family of bacteria. Mycobacterium bovis

(M. bovis) is the bacterium that causes TB in cattle (also known as bovine TB). Although cattle are the main reservoir and natural host of M. bovis, humans and a wide range of mammals are also susceptible to this bacterium. In addition to cattle, a number of wild animals can act as reservoirs of M. bovis in different regions of the world, posing major impediments to eradicating the disease in cattle. About 1% of bacteriologically confirmed cases of TB in

humans can be attributed to M. bovis.

Historical overview of TB

Until the 1930s, a large proportion of dairy cows was infected with M. bovis. Many were kept near large cities to provide urban dwellers with fresh milk and most were kept closely confined in poorly ventilated cowsheds, which are ideal conditions for the disease to spread. Many cows developed infections in the udders and, because most milk was drunk raw (untreated), M. bovis spread easily and was the major source of TB in humans. In 1934, a Government-appointed committee concluded that at least 40% of cows in dairy herds were infected with TB to some extent and that, on the evidence available, at least 0.5% of cows yielded tuberculous milk. It was also stated that bovine TB was responsible for over 2,500 deaths and for a larger amount of illness annually among the human population (over 50,000 new human cases each year).

To try to control the problem, in 1947 the Government began a programme of comparative intradermal testing of cattle for TB and slaughtering of reactors. To prevent TB spreading to other herds, movement restrictions were introduced to stop cattle being moved from farms that had a case of TB. This test and slaughter programme became compulsory in 1950, and by 1960 it had reduced the number of cases of TB in cattle to a very low level. By the mid-1960s, cases of TB in cattle were confined to a few pockets of infection in south west England. In other areas bovine TB remained at a very low level until the early 1990s.

Although cases of bovine TB have increased over the last 15 years, the test and slaughter scheme remains central to the strategy to stop its spread. The details of the current testing programme are determined by Council Directive 64/432/EEC, which was last amended by Community Regulation (EC) No. 1226/2002 of 8 July 2002 to allow for the use of blood-based diagnostic tests.

Regular TB testing of cattle is intended to curb cattle-to-cattle transmission of M. bovis. This measure also ensures the early removal of infected cattle before they have developed clinical signs of disease or, in the case of dairy cows, started to shed M. bovis in the milk. In addition to this, routine pasteurisation (heat treatment) of cows’ milk and inspection of cattle carcasses at slaughterhouses were put in place to further protect public health.

Typically, less than 45 human cases of

M. bovis infection are diagnosed every year in the UK, with only 20 cases reported in 2002. The vast majority of these cases were probably contracted abroad or before the introduction of milk pasteurisation in the 1950s, and their geographical distribution does not seem to mirror the spread of bovine TB in the cattle population. The threat to public health is considered to be low and M. bovis in humans is treatable.

Level of TB

Bovine TB currently affects only a small proportion of the national cattle herd. About 5% of herds in Great Britain were affected by TB restrictions at some point in 2003, though in hotspot areas such as the South West of England, the percentage was much higher. However, the number of new herd incidents of TB is increasing at a rate of 18% per annum, and the number of reactors culled at 20% per annum.

Five-point strategy

The Government’s TB strategy in 2003 continued to revolve around a five-point plan, which stemmed from recommendations made in the Krebs Review (Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle and Badgers) in 1997.

1. Protect public health – arrangements with the Department of Health (DH) to investigate potential links with human health and monitor human cases of

M. bovis.

2. Develop a vaccine – a 10-15 year research programme to develop a TB vaccine.

1. Research into how TB is spread – further research to increase understanding of how M. bovis is transmitted.
2. Detect and prevent cattle to cattle spread – continue with, and where possible strengthen, routine testing of cattle herds, slaughter of reactors and movement restrictions in infected herds.
3. Carrying out a badger culling trial – carry out a field trial to find out whether culling badgers helps to reduce TB in cattle.

Proposals for a new TB Strategy

The Five Point Plan has been in place since 1998, and a review of the TB strategy was announced in February 2003.

In implementing the Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food, Government is working with the industry and consumers to secure a sustainable future for the farming and food industries, as viable industries contributing to a better environment and healthy and prosperous communities. The Animal Health and Welfare Strategy derives from this, and sets a vision for the future which includes consideration of roles and responsibilities and how costs should be shared. A robust, fair and cost-effective approach on bovine TB is required, setting out where Government and stakeholders hope to be in 10 years time and reconciling the contending perspectives of stakeholder groups. Achieving everybody’s aspirations is unlikely. Challenging but realistic targets and indicators of success need to be developed which recognise the regional distribution of the disease and

scientific uncertainty around the effectiveness of TB control tools.

Reaching an agreement on a new long-term TB Strategy will inevitably take some time. Defra is committed to action in the short term to address some of the immediate problems of bovine TB, in particular to reduce the risk of geographic spread of the disease. A key element is the proposal to introduce a legal requirement for the pre-movement testing of cattle for which farmers will pay; this has been advised as best practice by Government for some time.

Overview of work on bovine TB in 2003

• Defra spent £89 million on the TB programme in the financial year 2002/03;
• with the co-operation of Local Veterinary Inspectors a reduction in the number of overdue TB herd tests, to pre-Foot and Mouth Disease (2001) levels, was achieved;
• automatic movement restrictions were imposed on herds with TB tests overdue by more than three months, to reduce the risk of spreading bovine TB;
• mycobacterial culture capacity at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency was trebled. By the end of the year the additional culture facilities had resulted in the elimination of the backlog of bovine tissue samples awaiting culture;
• the gamma-interferon blood test was consolidated as an ancillary diagnostic test for TB in GB;
• general movement licences were introduced in October for clear testing cattle destined to slaughter from herds under TB restrictions;

• a review of the Government’s TB Strategy was announced in February;
• a scientific panel to review the randomised badger culling trial and associated research was announced in April;
• a consultation took place on a proposal to permit trained and competent non-veterinarians to perform tuberculin testing of cattle;
• a consultation on rationalising compensation payments for animals slaughtered for disease control purposes, was issued in October;
• the reactive culling element of the randomised badger culling trial was suspended in November; and
• the Independent Scientific Group (ISG) on Cattle TB’s Vaccine Scoping Study was published in the middle of December.

Proposal to use lay TB testers

During 2003 there was a consultation on a proposal to introduce an Exemption Order, under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, to permit suitably trained and competent non-veterinarians to administer the tuberculin skin test, read and record the results. Consideration is being given to how best to proceed.

Field pilot of the gamma-interferon (IFN-g) blood test

Improved diagnosis of bovine TB is a major objective of Defra’s research programme and the potential use of the IFN-g test is being fully explored. The IFN-g assay is a blood test developed in Australia in the late 1980s, for the diagnosis of TB in cattle in combination with the caudal fold tuberculin test. In July 2002 the European Commission approved its use as an adjunct to the cervical tuberculin tests used in the EU to increase the detection of tuberculous cattle in infected herds. The IFN-g test has not been approved for use on its own as a routine screening test for bovine TB in the EU.

A field pilot, begun in late 2002, continued in 2003. The pilot was set up to determine whether the IFN-g test, used as a parallel test (i.e. in tandem with the skin test), significantly improves the detection of infected cattle and thus shortens the duration of confirmed TB incidents. It also aims to assess whether the use of a more severe interpretation of the skin test could have an effect comparable to that of IFN-g in shortening the duration of confirmed TB incidents.

Once signed up for the pilot, each reactor herd is randomly allocated one of three possible ‘treatments’:

• IFN group – in which the IFN-g is applied 10-28 days after the disclosing skin test and before the short interval test;
• XS group – or extra-severe interpretation of the first short-interval test, whereby all standard inconclusive reactors are removed; and
• SQ group – control group, where the normal testing protocol (i.e. the status quo) applies.

The rate of recruitment of herds into the pilot has been relatively slow. At the end of 2003 (i.e. 14 months since commencement of the pilot), 79 herd owners had volunteered to take part. Consideration is being given to ways of encouraging uptake by herd owners.

In addition to the field pilot, since November the State Veterinary Service conducts ad hoc IFN-g testing in specific situations, namely:

• as an aid to decision making in relation to whole or partial herd slaughter in severe TB breakdowns;
• as a ‘parallel’ (i.e. adjunct) test for non-reactor cattle in ongoing, confirmed TB incidents that do not qualify for the field trial, but have a chronic TB problem; and
• as a ‘serial’ (i.e. confirmatory) test, to resolve skin test reactors or inconclusive reactors in prolonged unconfirmed TB incidents within low TB prevalence areas, where there is a suspicion of non-specific reactivity to the skin test.

In the first two instances, the blood test is used to enhance the overall sensitivity of TB testing. In the third, the blood test complements the skin test results to achieve better specificity. In 2003, almost 1,000 cattle in 12 non-pilot herds in England (6), Wales (5) and Scotland (1) were IFN-g tested by the SVS under one of the three scenarios described above.

Summary of bovine TB statistics for 2003

The statistics presented in this report are provisional and could be subject to minor revisions. Such revisions may be necessary to take into account post-mortem and culture results that were outstanding when the data were extracted from the SVS animal health database (Vetnet) on 8 March 2004.

Table B2.1: Cumulative TB statistics for 2003 in Great Britain compared with 2002Table B2.1: Cumulative TB statistics for 2003 in Great Britain compared with 2002 (continued)

Provisional year end for statistics for 2003: herds

Table B2.1 compares the cumulative TB statistics for 2002 and 2003 in GB. The figures are broken down by country (England, Wales and Scotland) and, for the West of England, also by county. The table shows that approximately 2% more herd tests were carried out in 2003 (45,133) than in 2002 (44,129), involving just over 4.5 million animal tests (almost 4.1 million in 2002).

The absolute number of new herd TB incidents (herd breakdowns) disclosed in GB in 2003 was down by 3.5% on 2002 (3,209 against 3,320). The proportion of those incidents confirmed by post-mortem examination and/or bacteriology was also down by comparison with 2002: 50% against 57%.

A total of 5,506 cattle herds were under TB restrictions because of a TB incident at some time during 2003, compared with 4,192 herds in 2002. The actual number of herds under TB restrictions on 31 December 2003 stood at 3,147, equivalent to 3.3 % of the national cattle herd. This figure includes herds placed under movement restrictions because of an overdue TB test and herds sustaining a TB incident.

Figure B2.1 shows the evolution in the numbers of total and confirmed new TB incidents reported each month in GB since December 1996.

Figure B2.2: Confirmed new incidents of bovine TB in Great Britain expressed as a percentage of unrestricted cattle herds tested during 1996-2003

14.0% 12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0%

Jan-96 Jan-97 Jan-98 Jan-99 Jan-00 Jan-01 Jan-02 Jan-03 Jan-04

Percentage of tests on unrestricted herds resulting in a confirmed new incident. Trend (23 term henderson moving average of seasonally adjusted data). TB testing significantly reduced due to the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak and targeted to higher risk areas. TB testing resumed in 2002 and was concentrated on clearing the backlog of overdue tests.

Provisional year-end statistics for 2003: animals

A provisional total of 20,117 cattle were slaughtered as TB reactors in 2003, up 1% on 2002 when 19,903 reactors were slaughtered. The average total number of reactors per TB incident (including new herd incidents and those carried over from previous years) was 3.6, compared with 4.7 in 2002.

Numbers of cattle slaughtered as inconclusive reactors and direct contacts were slightly below last year’s. The number of slaughterhouse cases reported by the Meat Hygiene Service dropped from 392 in 2002 to 303 in 2003, but the proportion confirmed by culture went up from 32% to 46% in 2003.

TB testing

Overall, 2% more herd tests were carried out in 2003 than in 2002. This was the result of a concerted effort on the part of the SVS, farmers and veterinary practices.

In line with the announcement made as part of the ‘Autumn Package’ in October 2002, the following movement restrictions were introduced in 2003:

• herds overdue a TB test by more than 12 months, with effect from 1 February;
• herds overdue a TB test by more than six months, with effect from 1 April; and
• herds overdue a TB test by more than three months, with effect from 1 October.

The imposition of movement restrictions acted as a powerful incentive to get tests done quickly. At the beginning of 2003 there were 6,700 overdue herd tests, a substantial improvement on the backlog of 27,000 overdue tests that had built up during the FMD outbreak at the end of 2001. The number of overdue tests continued to decline in the first quarter of the year and then remained more or less stable between April and December, bringing the number of overdue TB tests in line with that prior to FMD. The number of tests overdue on 31 December stood at just over 3,600 (Figure B2.4).

A veterinary surgeon carrying out a TB test assisted by a farmer

Year-end data for 2003 indicates that 1,403 (39%) of the tests shown as overdue had been so for less than one month. The majority of these tests are completed on or shortly after their due date and considered only ‘technically’ overdue. About 90% of overdue tests had been so for less than six months.

Changes in parish TB testing frequencies

During 2003 major adjustments of TB testing frequencies took place in the counties of Dyfed and Powys in West and Mid-Wales respectively. In England, the counties of Hereford and Worcestershire, Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall also underwent substantial revisions. Parishes in Warwickshire and Oxfordshire along the Gloucestershire border were placed under biennial testing. Scotland and most of the North and East of England remain on four-yearly testing. Cumbrian cattle herds depopulated during the 2001 FMD outbreak remain under annual TB check testing, but should be reverting to four-yearly testing during 2004 if no reactors have been disclosed after restocking. The map in Figure B2.5 shows the distribution of routine parish testing frequencies in England and Wales at the end of December 2003.

As a result of these adjustments, a greater proportion of herds than one year ago are now being tested annually or biennially. This is summarised in Table B2.2. The increase in surveillance and disease control testing will put pressure on veterinary resources.

Table B2.2: Distribution of British herds and animal health parishes according to the frequency with which they were being tested as at 17 December 2003

Default frequency of routine TB tests

Randomised badger culling trial Fieldwork associated with the trial began in _{The Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT)} late 1998. Since the outset, the ISG has had was set up to establish whether culling ^{a commitment to present any relevant} badgers is an effective or sustainable bovine ^{interim findings to Ministers, to enable them} _{TB control mechanism by comparing two} to make proportionate decisions based on _{different culling treatments – proactive and} the latest scientific evidence. In late 2003, _{reactive culling – with a control area. The} the ISG advised Ministers that following its _{trial was designed and is overseen by the} latest interim analysis of data collected from _{Independent Scientific Group (ISG) on} the trial, there had been an increase in the incidence of cattle TB in trial areas subject to

Cattle TB.

reactive culling, over that in the control areas _{The trial compares 30 areas of 100km2} where no culling had taken place. The

grouped into ten triplets where the incidence ^{finding was consistent across all trial areas}

_{of TB has been relatively high. One of the} where reactive culling had taken place. The reason for the increase in herd breakdowns following ‘treatments’ was allocated to each

in reactive trial areas is unknown.

trial area:

• Proactive culling – where badgers are trapped and culled at the outset of the trial and at intervals afterwards;
• Reactive culling – where badgers are trapped and culled from social groups associated with farms which have had a confirmed TB incident during the course of the trial; and
• Survey only areas – where no trapping or culling takes place. Setts are surveyed regularly to check for signs of unlawful removal of badgers. These areas act as a scientific control against which the impact of the two culling strategies can be measured.

In the face of this evidence, the decision was taken by Ministers to suspend culling in the reactive trial areas with effect from 4 November 2003. The proactive and survey only elements of the trial continue as before and the ISG estimates that the full set of trial data should be collected by 2006.

Expenditure on the trial in the financial year 2002/03 amounted to £8.1 million. An independent scientific review of the work of the ISG on the badger culling trial and associated research was announced in April 2003. The Group, led by Professor Charles Godfray, was due to report in early 2004.

RBCT audits

The RBCT has been subject, in the past, to a number of independent audits which have been published together with a Departmental response. The audits covered the effectiveness of the surveying for badger setts, the statistical validity of the trial and the humaneness of badger dispatch procedures. Further audits have taken place, namely a third humaneness audit and an audit of badger post mortem procedures. The reports received are being studied by Defra. An audit of bacteriological culture procedures is presently under way. All three audit reports, together with Departmental responses, will be published.

Badger Road Traffic Accident Survey

The survey of badgers found dead by the roadside in the seven counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, or on farmland inside the 30 trial areas of the RBCT, has continued. Validation of the data from this survey against data obtained from the RBCT will be carried out in 2004, and will be published by the ISG. The number of carcasses, suitable for post mortem, collected during 2003 totalled 1,048.

General TB research

In addition to the RBCT, Defra has continued to fund a wide-ranging research programme, including vaccine development, improved diagnosis of the disease, risk assessment, transmission routes and economic analysis. The amount spent on research varies from year to year but expenditure in 2002/03 was £7.1 million (excluding research on the RBCT).

TB vaccine research

Developing a TB vaccine for cattle or wildlife is Defra’s ultimate aim and progress so far has been within the timetable laid down in the Krebs Report. A total of £5 million has been committed to research to identify candidate vaccines, experimentally vaccinate cattle and develop a test to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals. Collaboration with researchers from the Republic of Ireland on the experimental vaccination of badgers with the bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) strain of M. bovis, and from New Zealand on vaccine development, has continued.

In the middle of December the report of the ISG’s Vaccine Scoping Study Sub-Committee (VSSSC) was published. It made a number of recommendations for the potential use of vaccines but recognised that an effective vaccine is still some way off. A new Departmental Vaccine Programme Advisory Group will continue to provide advice on TB vaccine research in 2004.

The interdepartmental Vaccine Steering Group set up in 2000 is continuing to work towards identifying the legal and administrative processes that would need to be followed to enable a vaccine to be used with the minimum of delay.

Progress of the TB pathogenesis field studies

Two research projects have continued to investigate bovine tuberculosis transmission between cattle. The first of the two projects is a collaboration between the VLA, the Institute for Animal Health and Queens University, Belfast. It is looking at disease dynamics, exploring routes of transmission and investigating the effect of repeated skin testing on the course of the disease. The project is also designed to include the development of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays as a detection system for M. bovis shedding. It has already demonstrated that bacterial shedding is markedly affected by challenge route, and that some infected, but skin test negative animals, could be identified that would not be detected by current diagnostic tests.

The second project is being carried out by the VLA with SVS assistance. It involves a detailed pathological examination, including the relevant bacteriology, histopathology and immunology, of 200 tuberculin skin-test positive reactors and a similar number of suspect false negatives that have been in contact with reactor cattle. The results will advance the understanding of the pathogenesis of TB in naturally infected animals.

A third project, started in 2002 at the VLA, aims to appraise the minimal infectious dose of M. bovis in cattle and its temporal relationship with disease progression and shedding. It should be able to establish an aerosol challenge model and elucidate primary sites of infection.

Progress on the TB 99 survey

The epidemiological investigation of incidents of TB in cattle continued, with the Agriculture Development and Advisory Service (ADAS) (Limited) assisting in the completion of case and control reports in RBCT areas. Preliminary analyses, by the ISG, of pre-FMD TB99 data and the 2002 dataset have begun, and some results are likely to be published in the ISG’s 4^th Report in 2004. An analysis of the 2003 dataset is also expected, once data collection is complete. In 2004, TB99 data collection will focus on three RBCT triplets with the aim of collecting a total of 100 cases with three matched controls per case. Also in 2004, a new epidemiological study is being designed to replace the TB99 questionnaire in 2005.

Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) research: tuberculosis

Twenty-two papers on various aspects of research into bovine tuberculosis were published by researchers at the VLA in 2003 representing significant scientific advances on a number of fronts.

In The Report of the Chief Veterinary Officer

– Animal health 2002it was reported that a collaboration between the VLA, the Pasteur Institute and the Sanger Centre had resulted in the sequencing of the M. bovis genome, a milestone in M. bovis research. A paper describing the major findings was published in 2003 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA). The information obtained from the genome sequence has been used in a number of ways to advance the development of new tools for TB control.

Characterisation of the M. bovis genome has allowed identification of several M. bovisspecific antigens for use in the gamma interferon blood test for cattle. These antigens are able to distinguish between cattle vaccinated with BCG and those infected with M. bovis. These reagents are at present being evaluated in the UK and New Zealand.

Knowledge of the genome sequence has also underpinned development of molecular fingerprinting tests for M. bovis. The application of these typing techniques to over 5,000 M. bovis isolates from GB has revealed that the distribution of molecular types in the commonest clone is incompatible with a process of random mutation and drift. The most plausible explanation for the variability of molecular types observed in GB is a series of ‘clonal expansions’ caused by the spread of a favourable mutation, together with all other genes present in the ancestral cell in which the mutation occurred. A paper describing these findings was published in 2003 in the

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA).

The genome of the tuberculin production strain M. bovis AN5 was compared to the genome-sequenced M. bovis strain by using DNA microarrays. Results revealed that AN5 has not suffered extensive gene deletions during in vitro passage. This suggests that bovine tuberculin made from M. bovis AN5 is still suitable for detecting infection with presently prevalent M. bovis strains. The genome sequence has been used to develop PCR assays that are now used routinely for confirmation of M. bovis isolation.

In collaboration with researchers at AgResearch in New Zealand and the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), London, the VLA identified a cocktail of DNA vaccines that improve the protective efficacy of BCG in cattle.

A trap-side test was developed for the rapid diagnosis of TB in badgers in collaboration with Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc., USA. Although the sensitivity of the test is similar to that of the current live TB test for badgers, results from the new test may be obtained within 10 minutes allowing the test to be performed alongside the captive animal.

Two papers describing both the protein and carbohydrate structure of the antigen used in the live TB test for badgers were published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Central Science Laboratory (CSL) Research: Tuberculosis

Research on a wide range of issues relating to the biology of TB in wildlife continued at CSL in 2003.

Badgers

The results of studies investigating aspects of badger behaviour that may pose a risk to cattle were published in peer reviewed literature. These included the use by badgers of farm resources such as buildings and cattle troughs. A study was initiated in 2003 to build on these findings, to quantify the extent of badger visits to farm premises, and to identify on farms the primary areas of TB transmission risk.

Monitoring badger numbers is an important aspect of any management programme. Successful methods of estimating badgers numbers were identified. Papers reporting the development and use of genetic technology for non-invasive sampling, and modifications of distance sampling to estimate badger numbers, were published in the Journal of Applied Ecology and Molecular Ecology. The techniques have potential as research tools for monitoring the effectiveness of any future badger management programmes.

A review of the ecological implications of a vaccination strategy for badgers was carried out and published in the Veterinary Journal. If vaccination of badgers is to be considered as a potential strategy for the future, it is extremely important to consider in detail the animal’s ecology, so that an appropriate delivery strategy can be developed. The review discussed the various aspects that must be considered in order to do this.

Analyses carried out by CSL’s collaborators at Sheffield Molecular Genetics Facility indicated emerging changes in the genetic structure of the badger population in proactive RBCT areas after culling, reflecting disruption of the population. A genetic analysis of maternity and paternity of the badgers at Woodchester advanced the understanding of badger mating systems, and a paper reporting the results was submitted to Molecular Ecology.

Other wildlife

A large survey to establish the extent of TB in wildlife other than badgers, continued during 2003. Over 4,500 carcasses of a variety of terrestrial mammal species were examined.

M. boviswas identified in fallow deer, roe deer, field voles and foxes, and for the first time in the UK in muntjac, and a range of other species.

The impact on populations of selected mammal and ground nesting bird species of the removal of badgers from the ecosystem continued to be monitored in areas within the RBCT. Analyses of a large survey indicated that fox numbers increased in proactive cull areas relative to control areas. There were indications that hare numbers decreased while hedgehog numbers increased in proactive areas relative to control areas. These trends will be confirmed or otherwise by further monitoring.

Economic research

A project at Reading University estimated the farm-level effects of bovine TB and its control, and the wider economic impacts of TB in the agricultural sector. Also, the regional impact of TB was studied, particularly in those areas with a high level of incidents. Various control policies were identified for economic assessment, including the current cattle testing strategy, the current cattle testing strategy plus badger culling, zoning (i.e. an individual policy for cattle in ‘high risk’ zones) and vaccination. Defra followed on from this work with a project on the valuation of wildlife and associated costs.

TB in animals other than cattle and badgers

Although there is no statutory TB testing programme of farmed deer herds in GB, suspect cases of TB in all deer species are notifiable to the Divisional Veterinary Managers of the SVS. Because numbers of tuberculin tested deer are quite small, surveillance for TB in deer relies heavily on post-mortem examination of captive or wild deer culled for venison production or any other reason. During 2003, M. bovis infection was confirmed in deer samples from 22 of 64 suspect cases reported (Table B2.3). Fourteen of the positive samples involved wild deer (red, fallow and roe), making it the largest number of positive wild deer submissions in a single year for the last 20 years. All of these, except one positive roe deer carcase from the New Forest, originated in south west England and the Welsh Borders. The remaining eight samples yielding M. bovis were all from farmed red deer in a heavily infected herd in Cumbria that was re-formed after the FMD epidemic.

A fallow deer

Under the current animal health legislation TB is not notifiable in species other than cattle and deer, although it is good practice to do so. A new TB Order due to replace the 1984 Order by the end of 2004 is expected to make notifiable the identification of M. bovis infection in any mammal other than humans. During 2003, Defra continued to facilitate and fund the laboratory examination at the VLA of samples from any companion animals, farmed animals and wildlife (excluding badgers) suspected of being affected with TB.

Movement restrictions under Article 15 of the TB (England and Wales) Order 1984 were imposed by the SVS on one llama and two alpaca premises on which bovine TB was identified. Two of these had the restrictions lifted by the end of the year following two consecutive comparative herd tests with negative results. Bovine TB was also disclosed in eight domestic pigs during meat inspection. Three of these had been reared on a small outdoor unit in Herefordshire and the remainder came from two related small outdoor pig farms in Devon. All these pig premises were in annual cattle testing areas and it is suspected that the tuberculous pigs may have acted as sentinels of cattle or wildlife infection.

M. boviswas isolated from two domestic cats kept in the same household in a residential area of Bristol. Both cases (mother and offspring) presented with tuberculous lesions in superficial lymph nodes and were diagnosed within nine months of each other. The M. bovis strain isolated from both cases was identical. Neither cat had any apparent contact with cattle herds. Both animals apparently made a full clinical recovery after a lengthy combination course of antibiotics.

In addition to the samples submitted to the VLA by the SVS, in 2003 Defra continued to sponsor two surveys of TB in wildlife, by the CSL and the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at Oxford University respectively. The aim of these projects is to establish the prevalence of M. bovis infection of wildlife species other than badgers.

Table B2.3 gives the numbers and geographical distribution of cases of bovine TB confirmed in species other than cattle and badgers in 2003. The results reported in this table exclude the findings of the CSL survey and the Oxford University study mentioned above.

Table B2.3: TB surveillance in animals other than cattle and badgers: number of samples investigated and bacteriologically positive results.

Table B2.3: TB surveillance in animals other than cattle and badgers: number of samples investigated and bacteriologically positive results (continued)

Wildlife survey in Cumbria

Unlike the rest of the county, the Furness Peninsula of south west Cumbria was unaffected by FMD in 2001, but it had suffered sporadic TB incidents between 1990 and 2001. During 2002 and 2003 there was an increased frequency of bovine TB incidents, some of which could not be explained by purchase of infected cattle or contact with cattle from contiguous reactor herds. At the end of December a limited wildlife survey was announced, to cover badgers killed in road traffic accidents and wild deer carcasses found with suspect lesions, over an area of 180 km² in the Furness Peninsula.

The objective of the survey is to determine whether or not there are badgers (and deer) infected with TB in this part of Cumbria. The results of the survey will be used along with the results of two cycles of cattle testing at 6- to 12-month intervals, to determine the future herd testing frequency in the area.

TB compensation/valuation

Full market value was paid for all animals slaughtered under TB control measures. For the financial year 2002/03 the bill for this was £34.4 million.

A National Audit Office report on TB compensation in Wales, published in 2003, noted that compensation payments in 2002 were on average 50% higher, and in some cases over 100% above the underlying market price. An internal Defra audit in summer 2003 similarly found that TB valuations appeared to be significantly higher than market prices.

Since then a number of changes have been introduced to help ensure valuations are a fair reflection of market price. These include improved data handling procedures and provision of market price information to valuers to act as a benchmark for valuations, and a letter to valuers reminding them of the conditions under which valuations should be carried out. In addition, Defra is in contact with valuers’ organisations about revisions to the valuations procedures.

In October 2003 Defra launched a consultation on proposals to rationalise compensation for animals slaughtered for all notifiable disease including TB. The aim is to strike a balance between practical disease control and responsiveness to individual circumstances. Next steps are being considered.

Chapter B3: Rabies prevention and control

Rabies is a fatal viral disease of the nervous system which can affect all mammals including man. The disease is usually spread by saliva from the bite of an infected animal. Clinical signs include paralysis and aggression leading to a painful death. Rabies-like viruses also affect bats as well as terrestrial animals. There have been two bat-associated rabies cases in England, both involving Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii): one in Sussex during 1996 and another in Lancashire in 2002.

The British Isles have been free of classical rabies for many decades, but because of the existence of the disease elsewhere there is concern about rabies being reintroduced by imported animals. All rabies susceptible animals entering the UK are required to spend six months in quarantine, unless arriving under and complying with all the conditions of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).

Quarantine (SEERAD) licences these establishments in

Scotland. These include zoos, research ^{Under national legislation, all rabies} establishments and quarantine kennels and^{susceptible animals entering GB are required} catteries. The current authorised premises in to be licensed into six months quarantine, to _{England, Scotland and Wales include 40}

^{prevent rabies being reintroduced by} premises for dogs, cats and pet mammals, imported animals. Since February 2000, dogs _{30 zoos and 138 research establishments.} and cats can be exempted from the six

^{month quarantine requirement, but only if} Since the introduction of PETS, the demand

they comply fully with all the conditions of _{for quarantine has declined and the number}

^{PETS. Those found not to comply fully must} of quarantine premises for dogs and cats has undergo quarantine until such time as they _{reduced from 66 in 2000 to the current 40.} comply fully with PETS or for six months. _{The number of illegally landed}1 _{animals has}

Defra is responsible for authorising quarantine premises in England and Wales increased from 45 in 2002 to 116 in 2003. This large increase is mainly due to an increased number of cats and dogs from the for dogs, cats and all other rabies susceptible _{USA and Canada failing their PETS check at}

^{mammals. The Scottish Executive} Heathrow/Gatwick and having to enter

Environment and Rural Affairs Department _quarantine.

1 Some of the total number of illegally landed animals represent non-compliance with some of the rules of the Pet Travel Scheme

Table B3.1: Number of dogs and cats entering quarantine 1999-2003

* Last full year where all animals were required to go into quarantine i.e. before the Pet Travel Scheme was introduced

Qualification

To meet the PETS rules, animals must first be microchipped, then vaccinated against rabies and blood tested at a laboratory recognised by Defra. The owner is then required to obtain an official PETS certificate. They will also need an official certificate to show that the pet has been treated against ticks and tapeworms between 24 and 48 hours before being checked in for travel to England. The owner must also sign a form to declare that the pet has not been outside any of the qualifying countries for the scheme within the six months prior to entering England. An animal may not enter England until six months have elapsed from the date the blood sample (giving a successful test result) was taken.

To enter England under the scheme, pets must travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route. At the end of 2003 there were 55 different transport companies authorised to bring pets into England under the scheme on 214 different routes. This is an increase of 29 companies and 114 routes over the figures for the end of 2002. New routes and companies are regularly added to the list.

Pets must enter England, as the devolved administrations for Wales and Northern Ireland have not made legislation implementing similar pet travel schemes. Scotland has such legislation but at the end of 2003 had no authorised routes. After an animal has entered England under PETS, it is free to move to any other part of the UK as well as the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland.

A total of 120,975 dogs and 15,978 cats have successfully entered England under the

scheme since it began.

PETS checks

Of the animals presented under the scheme 7% have failed their PETS check. The main reason for failure has been under the requirement for tick and tapeworm treatment. Other reasons included incorrect rabies certification. The majority of pets that failed their check were able to continue their journey after visiting a veterinary surgeon or having waited a short time for the required 24 hours to elapse following the tick and tapeworm treatment.

PETS information

More information and fact sheets are available on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine or from the PETS Helpline (telephone 0870 241 1710 – Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm; fax 020 7904 6206).

EU Regulation

The EU Regulation on animal health requirements for the non-commercial movement of pet animals was published on 13 June 2003 as EC Regulation 998/2003. It came into force on 3 July 2003 and, subject to ratification awaited at time of going to print, will apply from 3 July 2004. This Regulation sets out the requirements for the movement of pet animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) travelling within the EU, and into the EU from Third Countries.

For dogs and cats, the Regulation will allow the rules of the Pet Travel Scheme to continue largely unchanged for five years. Dogs, cats and ferrets entering from high-risk Third Countries will still be required to enter quarantine for six months on arrival. The Regulation also refers to importation requirements applying to rodents, rabbits, birds (except certain poultry), ornamental tropical fish, invertebrates (except bees and crustaceans), amphibians and reptiles. Details of these requirements, and other issues yet to be settled, such as requirements for diseases other than rabies and a list of low-risk Third Countries, will be finalised at EU Working Groups.

Defra’s website includes information on this Regulation, and will be updated with further details of any significant decisions that will change PETS rules.

Rabies in bats

Since 1986, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency has undertaken scanning surveillance on up to 200 bats each year for bat rabies. Over the past 18 years all surveillance cases (apart from the ones found in Sussex and Lancashire) have returned negative results.

Four human deaths from European Bat Lyssavisruses (EBLVs) in Europe have been reported since 1977. None of them had a record of prophylactic rabies immunisation.

In Great Britain, an incident of European Bat Lyssavirus type-2 (EBLV-2) was identified in 2002, tragically leading to a human fatality. Following this incident, Defra has worked closely with the Department of Health, the Health Protection Agency and other bodies to ensure that appropriate public health advice is available to people involved in handling bats. This incident also led to surveillance on EBLV-2 in Daubenton’s bats in Britain throughout 2003 being enhanced through a programme of targeted surveillance.

Preliminary data resulting from the pilot studies to assess the presence of EBLV has confirmed a low level of antibodies to EBLV type-2 in one species of British bat, the Daubenton’s bat.

A Daubenton’s bat

Future surveillance studies to examine the longevity of antibody response and the appearance of excreted EBLV-2 from Daubenton’s bats at sites previously sampled will increase the statistical confidence in the pilot data obtained.

Chapter B4: Consumer protection

Zoonoses are diseases and infections which can spread naturally between animals and people. People may become infected by a variety of routes including contaminated food and water, direct contact with the animal or its contaminated environment and through insect vectors. Successful management of the risks to public and animal health posed by zoonoses requires close collaboration between all those involved in managing animal health, producing food or safeguarding public health and the environment.

In addition to reducing zoonotic infections Defra, in collaboration with other authorities, is involved in protecting the food chain when chemical food safety incidents occur. Surveillance is also carried out to ensure that veterinary medicines are used responsibly in livestock and, since 2003, in horses. The introduction of mandatory horse passports across the EU is designed to ensure that medicines not authorised for use in food-producing animals do not enter the food chain.

UK Zoonoses Group considered the response to the avian influenza outbreak in The Netherlands in

The UK Zoonoses Group (UKZG) met twice _{February/March 2003. This included the} during 2003, in April and October. Amongst _{health and safety advice issued to all SVS} the issues considered was the action taken in _{staff following the report of a number of}

^{response to the death in 2002 of a man in} cases of conjunctivitis in people working with ^{Scotland due to a European Bat Lyssavirus} the infected poultry in the Netherlands, and

type 2 infection, and the finding of EBLV in a _{the death of one veterinary surgeon where} bat in Lancashire. Surveillance for West Nile _{avian influenza was implicated.} Virus and contingency plans were also

^discussed. Additionally, an interim report on the implementation of the recommendations of The Group received one report indicating _{the Scottish Executive and the Food} that investigations into a possible zoonotic _{Standards Agency (FSA) was discussed by the} ^{link between Henoch Schonlein Purpura in} UKZG in its role as a monitor of the response ^{humans and Porcine Deramatitis} of the Scottish Executive and FSA Scotland to

Nephropathy Syndrome (PDNS) had not been _{the recommendations. The UKZG also}

^{established; and another setting out the} received presentations on the Animal Health action in response to a report, in the autumn _{and Welfare Strategy and the Veterinary} of 2002, of an increase in pig infertility _{Surveillance Strategy.} where current evidence did not indicate that this condition was zoonotic. The UKZG Further details of the activities of the UKZG are available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/ zoonoses/ukzg/minutes/five.pdf

Zoonoses

No new zoonotic agents were identified in 2003. Defra supported the VTEC 2003 fifth international symposium on Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli infections which took place in Edinburgh in June. This symposium brought together a number of disciplines to discuss the latest research and developments in the food chain, epidemiology, biology, and clinical aspects.

The proposals from the European Commission to intensify monitoring and control of zoonoses reached final agreement with the Agriculture Council and the European Parliament, and were published in the Official Journal of the European Union as Directive 2003/99/EC on the monitoring of zoonoses and zoonotic agents, amending Council Decision 90/424/EEC and repealing Council Directive 92/117 and Regulation (EC) No. 2160/2003 on the control of salmonella and other specified food-borne zoonotic agents.

Defra continued to assist the FSA to achieve its target to reduce foodborne illness and to reduce the levels of salmonella and campylobacter in the food chain. Defra was actively involved in a number of groups set up by the FSA to consider ways of reducing these organisms at the farm level. Results of research were shared and farmer educational material developed.

The Zoonoses Report UK 2001, giving an overview of Zoonoses in the United Kingdom, was published early in 2003 and is available at: http://defraweb/animalh/diseases/zoonoses/zo onoses_reports/zoonoses2001.pdf. This was the fourth annual report and was produced in collaboration with a large number of organisations involved in the control and monitoring of zoonoses. The same group of organisations met during 2003, and the Zoonoses Report UK 2002 is due to be published early in 2004. These reports aim to be useful both to the professionals who deal with zoonotic diseases and to the nonspecialists who wish to have an insight into zoonoses, their prevalence and importance.

At the beginning of 2003 a survey of cattle, sheep and pigs arriving at GB slaughterhouses was started. The survey is to determine the national prevalence in these animals of a number of zoonotic organisms including salmonella, campylobacter, Verocytotoxigenic E. coli O157 (VTEC O157), yersinia and cryptosporidia, along with the susceptibility to antimicrobials of isolated organisms. The study will be completed early in 2004 with the aim of analysing and reporting the results in autumn 2004, which should give a comparison with the situation at the last similar survey in 1999/2000.

Salmonella

All laboratories are required to report details of the isolation of salmonella from samples taken from animals, their environment and feed, as defined in the Zoonoses Order 1989. These data are collated, analysed and published annually in Salmonella in Livestock Production GB. The 2002 publication is available on the internet at: http://defraweb/corporate/vla/science/science-salm-rep.htm. A similar analysis of the data collected in 2003 will be published in summer 2004. Additionally, 144 advisory visits were made in 2003 to farms to provide advice on the control of salmonella in livestock.

Multiple antimicrobial resistant salmonella serotypes

Towards the end of the year multiple antimicrobial resistant strains of Salmonella Java were isolated on a cattle premises in England. These strains, which were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim, cefoperazone (ACSSuTTmCfp), had not been seen in GB before. Further investigations were put in place to better understand these strains and assess the risk they pose to the animal and human population. Similar but not identical strains have been found in human infections.

In 2002, following reports of multiple antimicrobial resistant strains of S. Newport causing concern in the United States, surveillance was enhanced. The USA strains were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulphonamides and tetracyclines, and in addition often had intermediate or full resistance to third generation cephalosporins (ceftriaxone). No similar strains were reported in livestock in Britain in 2003.

Salmonella in poultry

The statutory monitoring of breeding flocks of domestic fowl for S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium continued during 2003, in line with the requirements of EC Directive 92/117. Two hatches of day-old layer breeder chicks originating from eggs from another Member State were found to be positive for

S. Enteritidis during routine hatchery monitoring. These chicks were destroyed.

At the hatchery day-old chicks from GB sourced hatching eggs were also positive at the same time and five GB source layer breeding flocks were implicated. These were investigated and negative results indicated cross-contamination at the hatchery. The hatchery received advice and assistance to help ensure the infection was eliminated and that further day-old chicks would not be cross contaminated in the hatchery. The authority in the Member State from which the eggs originated was informed of the findings.

Routine monitoring did not find any

S. Enteritidis or S. Typhimurium in breeding flocks producing chickens for meat. One parent breeding flock producing layers was suspected of being infected with

S. Typhimurium, but extensive investigation of the flock did not confirm infection.

S. Enteritidis was isolated from another breeding flock during the rearing phase. The owner destroyed these birds voluntarily. Although this was a flock of breeder birds the eggs were used for pharmaceutical purposes, and not to produce layer chicks.

The success of the government control programme for S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium, supported by the industry, is illustrated in the breeding sector (broiler breeders) producing chickens for meat (Figure B4.1), and in the layer breeder sector producing chickens to lay eggs for human consumption (Figure B4.2).

As a result of industry monitoring of chickens reared for meat, usually from samples taken at 3-4 weeks of age, four S. Enteritidis incidents were recorded (the same as in 2002), and one S. Typhimurium report (30 reports in 2002). The most common serotype isolated from chickens reared for meat or their environment was S. Livingstone.

In the commercial layer flocks producing eggs for human consumption 22 reports of

S. Enteritidis were received and two of

S. Typhimurium. Where possible, follow up visits were made to the farms and advice given on the control of salmonella on the farms. The reason for the increase in the number of reports of S. Enteritidis in commercial layer flocks (six in 2002) is not known but may be due to increased or more sensitive monitoring.

Excluding S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium reports of other serotypes in poultry were similar to 2002 (794 compared with 869). Figure B4.3 illustrates the continued low level of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium in domestic fowl in recent years.

Salmonella in cattle

S. Typhimurium used to be the most common serotype reported in cattle but in 2003 it had declined to 126 reported incidents compared with a peak of over 1,000 reported incidents each year during the 1994 to 1996 period. During 2003 the number of reports of S. Dublin was at a 10 year high, and S. Dublin has been the most common serotype reported in cattle since 1999, although a reduction in the number of reports was noted in Scotland.

The clinical manifestations of S. Dublin were principally neo-natal scours with or without nervous symptoms, pneumoenteritis in older calves, and post calving dysentery in adults. There has been no concomitant increase in reports of S. Dublin foetopathy.

Salmonella in pigs

S. Typhimurium (33% were Definitive Type U288, 16% were Definitive Type 104) continued to be the most common serotype reported in incidents in pigs. Defra continued to support the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) Zoonoses Action Plan, which is aimed at reducing the prevalence of salmonella in finishing pigs. Herds identified with poor salmonella status are required to institute planned control strategies. Defra supported the plan through further research and advice to those farmers who have a high prevalence level of salmonella in their pig herds.

Salmonella in sheep

During 2003 S. Enterica subspecies diarizonae (serovar 61:k:1,5,7), most often associated with ovine abortion, continued to be the most common salmonella isolated in sheep (56% of all reported incidents).

Salmonella in feedingstuffs

In September 2003 the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) published a review of on-farm feeding practices, following consultation with interested parties within the feed and farming industries including the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the MLC. The aim of this review is to promote best practice by livestock producers in all aspects of feed sourcing, transport, storage, feeding on-farm, and handling home grown feeds. It is hoped that the recommendations made in the review will help producers to ensure that zoonotic pathogens (such as salmonella) are prevented from entering the food chain via the feeding of livestock.

The ACAF is a UK-wide advisory Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) made up of independent experts appointed by UK Ministers and the FSA. The Committee’s primary purpose is to advise the FSA and Ministers in the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales, the Agriculture and Rural Development Department in Northern Ireland and Defra on the safety and use of animal feed in relation to human health. It also covers animal health aspects and a wide range of contemporary issues including advice on new EU proposals, animal feed ingredients including genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and labelling and information for purchasers of animal feed.

Table B4.1: The levels of salmonella in feedingstuffs in Great Britain during 2003

Table B4.2: Isolations of S. Enteritidis (SE) & S. Typhimurium (ST) from all feedingstuffs and feed materials being monitored under Defra Codes of Practice (1995 – 2003*) (provisional)*

VLA surveillance: Streptococcus suis

Streptococcus suis surveillance identified the continuation of a range of serotypes involved in pig disease. No significant departures from expected disease patterns and serotypes were detected, and no human cases were reported, although links with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) were strengthened with a view to improving surveillance of human S. suis infections.

Assistance to Health Authorities

Defra continued to provide assistance when requested to health authorities investigating outbreaks of zoonotic pathogens in humans. Normally this is when a food source has been linked to a particular farm, or illness in people who have all visited the same farm. Investigation and sampling of animals on the farm may be of value in confirming that the source of the outbreak has been identified.

During the year assistance was given on four occasions to try to establish the origin of outbreaks of VTEC O157 in people. Sampling was carried out on one beef, and one dairy farm, an open farm receiving visits from the general public, and one nature reserve which included a wildlife animal hospital. No VTEC O157 was isolated from the nature reserve which had been associated with an outbreak involving 18 people. VTEC O157 was isolated from the beef, dairy and the open farm. Isolates from the cattle on the dairy farm, and from cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, and horses on the open farm were indistinguishable from the isolates from the outbreaks relating to two people associated with the dairy farm, and four people associated with the open farm. These incidents emphasise the importance of following good personal hygiene practices when handling animals or when in close contact with their environment.

Research on zoonoses

In order to reduce the risk of transmission of infection from live animals to people and to other animals, Defra funds a research programme to increase knowledge of the zoonotic organisms to help identify means by which a reduction of zoonotic agents in farm animals might be achieved. The VLA plays an important part in a number of these, either as the main contractor or in collaboration with other research bodies.

The projects in which the VLA are currently involved include work on VTEC O157 in cattle to determine epidemiological patterns and risk factors and work on the pathogenesis in ovine and other animal model studies. Work continued to gain an understanding of the epidemiology of VTEC O157 likely to be pathogenic to man in farm wastes. The role of goats and pigs in the maintenance and transmission of VTEC O157 was part of continuing studies.

Genotypic and phenotypic stability of campylobacter has been studied, as have protective immunity and competitive exclusion for the development of effective intervention products for poultry. Work continued into the investigation of the distinguishing features of Campylobacter jejuni strains and the role they play in colonisation of hosts and producing disease. A second meeting was held with collaborators and advisers to discuss the progress made with the campylobacter project which is conducting epidemiological studies to develop practical measures for reducing campylobacter in chickens reared for meat.

Epidemiological studies of salmonella in pigs continued with the aim of developing control methods to reduce the infection on farms.

The VLA is also involved in research into the genotypic and phenotypic comparison of virulent Yersinia enterocolitica from humans with those from animals, and research continues to evaluate zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidia spp. and C. parvum genotypes between humans and animals. Further details of these and other research projects are available on the Defra website.

Microarray technology at the VLA

Chemical Food Safety

The VLA is contracted to the FSA to provide advice and assistance in dealing with on-farm chemical food safety incidents to protect the food chain in England and Wales. Seventy-four chemical food safety incidents were investigated. The majority of these were cases of lead poisoning; also recorded were a number of cases of botulism, usually associated with poultry litter where cattle had direct or indirect access to it.

Residue surveillance

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), a Defra agency, operates two surveillance programmes for residues of veterinary medicines in animals and animal products. The statutory programme, which implements European legislation, covers home production from primary points, including abattoirs. The non-statutory programme looks for residues primarily in imported meat, fish and honey. Summary results of the VMD’s surveillance in 2003 were published quarterly in the VMD Medicines Act Veterinary Information Service (MAVIS) newsletter, which is available on line at www.vmd.gov.uk. Officers from the SVS collected samples on farms for the 2003 statutory programme. They also undertook follow-up investigations at farms where positive residues had occurred and checked on farm medicine records. Advice was provided to farmers on how further residues could be avoided.

The independent Veterinary Residues Committee (VRC), which advises the VMD on the operation of its surveillance programmes, publishes an annual report which includes a summary of the annual results of the VMD’s two surveillance schemes. Annual reports for 2001 and 2002 can be viewed on the VRC’s website at: http://www.vet-residues-committee.gov.uk.

Horse passports

In 2003 the Government implemented European legislation requiring all horse owners to obtain a passport for each animal they own by 30 June 2004. All EU Member States must implement this requirement. Its main objective is to provide certainty across Europe that those horses treated with medicines not authorised for use in food-producing animals are not slaughtered for human consumption. The horse industry in GB will be able to continue to use such medicines on horses that are not intended for the food chain.

In their responses to a consultation exercise, the majority of the equine industry supported the introduction of the legislation. In addition to the above, they also view passports as a way of improving the breeding and welfare of horses.

National Equine Database

The Government has agreed to fund the set up and initial running costs of a new National Equine Database (NED). This is a unique development being taken forward in close partnership with the GB equine industry – represented by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). The industry has proposed that better access to breeding and performance information will result in an increase in the quality of GB sports horses which, in future years, may raise the overall standard of horses used for recreation and leisure.

NED will consist of a ‘core’ horse passport based element and a commercial arm providing valuable breeding and performance information that will be accessible via a website. There will be a requirement for all Passport Issuing Organisations to submit horse passport based information to NED. Providing information for inclusion on the Breeding and Performance element will be on an entirely voluntary basis. The database should be operational in 2005.

SECTION C: Exotic, endemic and new & emerging disease surveillance

Chapter C1: Exotic diseases

The Chief Veterinary Officer for the UK has overall responsibility for coordinating veterinary surveillance within Great Britain. The ability to detect the emergence of a new or exotic disease condition rests upon a good awareness of the usual disease status of the animal population provided by high quality veterinary surveillance. Surveillance is also required in order to manage risks associated with disease and to help protect public health, animal health and animal welfare.

Anthrax

Veterinary Officers and private veterinary surgeons investigated 7,595 suspected cases of anthrax during 2003. These are normally single cases on a premises and are associated with a sudden and unexpected death of an animal. Suspected cases were investigated in 7,534 cattle, nine deer, four horses, 23 pigs and 25 sheep. Anthrax was not confirmed in any of these investigations in 2003. Table C1:1 shows the number of investigations carried out in cattle and the number of investigations in which anthrax was confirmed.

Table C1.1: Anthrax investigations and confirmed cases (cattle only) in Great Britain 1992 – 2003

ight/Wiltshire

* The reason for this sudden increase was due to Defra writing to Local Veterinary Inspectors substantially heightening the awareness of anthrax as a potential bioterrorism agent.

Aujesky’s disease

The National Slaughterhouse Serum Survey for Aujesky’s disease has been operating since 1991 under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), and now Defra, to demonstrate the continuing freedom from Aujesky’s disease in Great Britain (Table C1.2). There were no reports of Aujesky’s disease in 2003.

Table C1.2: Summary of serum sampling at abattoirs in Great Britain 1987-2003

Year

Number of samples collected

Positive incidents

There were no reports of suspected bluetongue (BT) in Great Britain. During 2003, outbreaks of bluetongue in Europe were reported on the Spanish Balearic island of Menorca, the French island of Corsica and the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Despite vaccination and other control measures, which have been in force for up to five years in some areas, bluetongue continues to be active in southern Europe.

Research: identification and molecular epidemiology

Controlling bluetongue relies on accurate and early detection and identification of the virus. Extensive databases of nucleotide sequence data from bluetongue virus (BTV) isolates made around the world are now being accumulated. Recent findings using these data strongly suggest that the European strains of BTV-2 originated in sub-Saharan Africa, while BTV-1, 4, 9 and 16 came from the East probably from or via Turkey.

These sequence data have also supported the design of RT-PCR based primers and assays to detect and distinguish between vaccine and field strains of the European BTV types. Primers designed to be specific for each of the 24 BTV serotypes are also currently being developed.

Overwintering mechanism for BTV

BTV was again reported in eastern Europe (Albania in December 2002), suggesting that it continues to survive in the Balkans in locations where adult vector insects are absent for much of the winter. Further work has now begun to explain, in detail, the mechanism by which this is achieved.

Vector insects

The traditional vector of BTV in Africa and southern Europe, Culicoides imicola, continued its northward spread in Europe during 2003. The latest findings report its presence for the first time in north-east Spain (northern Catalan), south-east mainland France (Alpes-Maritimes and Var) and southern Switzerland (Ticino). The report from Switzerland is, at 46^oN, the most northerly yet recorded for this species.

Surveys of the potential European BTV vectors, C. obsoletus and C. pulicaris in Britain, suggest that the vast majority of British populations of these species have a very low level of vector competence (0-2% of individuals are able to be infected). However, worryingly a few populations record much higher susceptibility levels (up to 13%) which suggests that should BTV gain entry to these areas transmission would be likely.

Culicoides imicola is the traditional vector of BTV in Europe

Risk assessment for Europe and outbreaks

Remotely sensed proxy climatic data from several countries in southern Europe have been correlated with field data on known and potential vector species of Culicoides to identify the climatic requirements of each. Using these data Mediterranean-wide risk maps are being generated for all potential BTV vector species. Seasonal and annual changes in BTV transmission rates in relation to the remotely sensed data are also being modelled using existing data sets from the Mediterranean area, with the aim of being able to predict when (i.e. in which years) BT outbreaks are most likely to occur in Europe.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis in Scotland

During 2003 Brucella abortus was isolated in four cattle herds in Scotland and the origin of infection identified as cattle imported from the Republic of Ireland. As a result two entire herds with evidence of active infection were slaughtered, and in two other herds seropositive infected cattle which had not yet calved were identified and slaughtered. These were the first isolates of B. abortus from cattle in Great Britain since 1993. Great Britain has remained an Officially Brucellosis Free Region of the EU since 1991.

The first three incidents arose in 36 imported heifers from a single herd in the Republic of Ireland in May and June 2002. The imported cattle had been treated strictly in accordance with veterinary protocols, having been blood tested prior to export from the Republic of Ireland and again on the importing farm: all tested negative for brucellosis before being allowed to move on. In February 2003 the Republic of Ireland veterinary authority warned that brucellosis had been confirmed in the herd of origin.

Subsequent testing in February 2003 showed seropositive imported cattle – four reactors and one inconclusive reactor. All 26 heifers were slaughtered and B. abortus was isolated from six of them. When the remainder of the herd was tested four more cattle were identified as reactors, and the entire herd of 131 was slaughtered. In addition, a further 24 cattle which had been moved out of the herd were traced and slaughtered as contacts.

In the second herd, four of the imported cattle had been mixed with 15 resident heifers. A blood test revealed the four imports and nine of the contact heifers were reactors. Three seropositive heifers had aborted between tracing and slaughter and

B. abortuswas isolated from all nine seropositive heifers. All the remaining 179 cattle in the herd were slaughtered as contacts.

In the third herd there were three imported cattle all of which were seronegative. However B. abortus was cultured from postmortem samples from two of them and both were still in calf at the time of slaughter. The remainder of the herd was negative throughout a subsequent testing programme which included post calving checks.

The fourth isolation from a herd in Scotland followed the import of a consignment of 31 heifers from the Republic of Ireland in October 2003. One heifer was seropositive at the post-import test and B. abortus was subsequently cultured from post-mortem samples. Shortly after the positive post-import test, the Republic of Ireland veterinary authority warned that this animal and one other in the same consignment had originated from a farm where brucellosis had since been confirmed. A second animal from the same farm of origin, slaughtered as a dangerous contact, was seronegative with the post-mortem culture for brucellosis also negative. The remainder of the consignment and all other cattle on the premises were negative throughout a subsequent testing programme.

The brucellosis incidents in Scotland resulted in the compulsory slaughter of 21 reactor cattle and 363 contacts. The total compensation for slaughtered cattle amounted to over £370,000, and the overall cost of dealing with these incidents is estimated at close to £500,000. The control measures carried out were successful in preventing further spread of infection. However these incidents have again shown that infected cattle may remain seronegative until after they have calved or aborted.

Surveillance in cattle

The national brucellosis surveillance programme has continued throughout Great Britain, with monthly bulk milk ELISA testing of all dairy herds and blood testing of beef breeding herds every two years; approximately 50% of eligible beef breeding herds are blood tested each year. Reporting all abortions and premature calvings is required, with abortion investigations carried out on a risk assessment basis in dairy cattle and in all reported cases in beef cattle.

Post calving blood testing of all imported cattle is carried out. This is facilitated by the use of the British Cattle Movement System (BCMS) to notify Divisional Veterinary Managers (DVMs) each week of imported cattle which have calved for the first time in Great Britain, or imported female cattle which require breeding history checks. Breeding history checks are required for imported heifers which reach 30 months of age without a recorded calving or adult females which do not have a recorded calving within 12 months of import.

During 2003 20,000 (100%) dairy herds were bulk milk tested and 25,000 (30%) beef breeding herds were blood tested. The proportion of herds blood tested was less than 50% as more than 50% were tested in 2002 when a high proportion of tests were overdue following suspension of testing during the FMD in 2001. In England and Wales 38 serologically positive cattle were identified and slaughtered and all were culture negative for B. abortus. There were 7,787 bovine abortion investigations, all of which tested negative for B. abortus, and there were clear post-calving test results on 7,465 imported cattle.

Surveillance in pigs and sheep

Surveillance to confirm freedom from brucellosis in the national pig herd was introduced. The aim is to provide evidence that pig herds remain free of B. suis thereby supporting the national trade position and providing early warning if the disease enters the national herd. B. suis has never been isolated from pigs in GB. However, the infection is widespread in wild boar and feral pigs in mainland Europe where it is often transmitted to domestic pigs reared outdoors.

The total number of pigs blood tested for brucellosis was 3,480 with 41 seropositive results. However brucellosis was ruled out on further investigation. B. suis has never been reported in Great Britain.

A VLA brucella containment level 3 facility

The total number of sheep blood tested for brucellosis was 1,503 with 12 seropositive results. However brucellosis was ruled out on further investigation. B. ovis has never been reported in Great Britain.

VLA research: Brucella species

The VLA carried out research aimed at improving the detection of infection and the typing of Brucella isolates. Two projects on molecular typing will assist in more accurate strain typing and epidemiological investigation of Brucella isolates. This work has already helped to confirm the origin of

B. abortus in the recent incidents in Scotland. A third project has started to develop PCR assays to assist in the detection of latent infection with Brucella species in cattle, sheep and goats and to differentiate serological cross-reaction to other organisms such as Yersinia enterocolitica.

Classical swine fever and African swine fever

Great Britain has continued to remain free of classical swine fever during 2003, despite outbreaks occurring in continental European countries during the year. African swine fever has never been recorded in Great Britain.

There were 14 investigations of suspected swine fever in 2003. Investigation of three of these suspect cases involved submitting diagnostic samples to National Reference laboratories: VLA Weybridge for classical swine fever and the Institute of Animal Health at Pirbright for African swine fever. The results of each veterinary field and laboratory investigation provided the basis for ruling out suspicion of classical and African swine fever.

VLA research: classical swine fever

Collaborative studies, with IAH Pirbright, of the effects of the classical swine fever virus on cells have revealed its ability to manipulate elements of the proinflammatory response consequent with replication, giving clues as to the mechanism by which infection becomes established and sustained. The VLA is collaborating in a further project, studying the cellular events associated with virus entry and replication, in an attempt to understand something of the differing virulence exhibited by different strains of the virus. A separate collaboration is also underway with the University of Cambridge in this regard, using array technology. Future work includes vaccination studies, to develop and inform strategies for their use in the event of any future outbreak in Britain.

Enzootic Bovine Leukosis

Britain had no cases of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) during 2003 and remains an Officially Enzootic Bovine Leukosis Free region of the EU. The most recent confirmed case of EBL was in 1996.

The national EBL surveillance programme continued to bulk milk ELISA test approximately 20% of dairy herds each year. Each selected herd is tested twice a year. Blood testing of beef breeding herds takes place every four years, meaning that approximately 25% of eligible herds are blood tested each year. Post-mortem inspections of all slaughtered cattle continue.

In 2003 3,000 (15%) dairy herds were bulk milk tested and 12,500 (15%) beef breeding herds were blood tested. There were no serologically positive cattle. Bovine tumour samples were submitted for examination on 61 occasions, and all tested negative for EBL.

Foot and Mouth Disease

Standing Movement Arrangements

On 2 July 2003, as a result of the final findings from the risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis of the 20-day standstill rule, the Government announced that the six day animal movements standstill regime would become permanent. The Standing Movements Arrangements came into force on 1 August 2003. An additional exemption to the standstill was granted for breeding rams and bulls for the peak sale season. A 20-day standstill remained in place for pigs.

The initial decision to reduce the length of the standstill was taken in March 2003 in view of the emerging findings from the risk assessments commissioned by Defra, as recommended in July 2002 by the Lessons Learned and Royal Society Inquiries. The new arrangements also included a readiness to increase the length of the standstill back to 20 days if the threat of disease increased, as recommended in the Royal Society report.

Ministers have decided that it would not be necessary to impose distance limits on livestock movements. Future improvements to our arrangements for preventing the spread of disease will be primarily focused on biosecurity improvements rather than further changes to movement rules.

New EU FMD Directive

The EU published a proposal in December 2002 for a new Directive on measures for the control of FMD. The Directive was adopted in September 2003 and will be transposed into domestic legislation during the next year.

Defra played a pivotal role in the shaping of the Directive. During negotiations at the Council Working Group, the Department was able to raise stakeholder concerns about the content, which had been highlighted during meetings and a formal written consultation exercise. Many issues were resolved through amendments to the Directive.

This Directive updates the measures contained in previous Directives, taking into account scientific progress and experience gained in eradicating the disease in the EU in 2001. The Government welcomed the proposal, which reflected many issues raised in the FMD Inquiries, notably on the possible use of emergency vaccination.

The new Directive maintains the EU-wide ban on prophylactic (routine) vaccination. This is in line with the recommendation of the Inquiry Reports. The basic control policy required under the new Directive remains the slaughter of all susceptible animals on premises infected with FMD and those identified as ‘dangerous contacts’. However, the Directive gives greater prominence to the potential use of emergency vaccination in the event of an outbreak as an addition to this basic slaughter policy.

Vaccination

During the year Defra addressed the scientific and practical issues associated with an emergency vaccination programme, including:

• working with stakeholders to gain their agreement to emergency vaccination and developing a strategy to communicate the message about the safety of products from vaccinated animals;