Recommendations of the expert group on foot and mouth disease
- The Committee reviewed the recommendations made to the Minister last week and agreed that they are still appropriate.
- The Committee expressed concerns about reports of variable compliance with disinfection measures in the farming community and recommend that approved disinfection protocols be rigidly adhered to.
- Surveillance of livestock for suspect signs is crucial to the early identification and control of the disease. This applies especially along the east coast, given the possibility of airborne spread from Britain.
- Appropriate methods of consulting with the important stakeholders in the FMD problem (farming organisations, Veterinary Ireland, etc.) should be developed in order to achieve maximal compliance with disease control measures.
- In light of the fact that the disease is now present in the country, the Committee believes that management of the risk of spread of the disease is the appropriate approach and the Committee has co-opted additional expertise in this field.
- The Committee has agreed on methodology for assessing the risks versus the benefits of taking those risks, outside of FMD controlled areas. All measures in the FMD contingency plan for Ireland will apply in controlled areas.
- Each request made to the Committee will be assessed using the risk management methodology mentioned above and recommendations will be made to the Minister.
The Committee will continue its work tomorrow.