FMD Vaccination Debate Unresolved
20 April 2001	Government unable to move
An attempt by the Government to introduce a limited and specific vaccination policy has met with total opposition from mainstream farming interests, who believe that the cull policy is working, and that vaccination, even if followed by slaughter, would effectively allow FMD into the national flock/herd, with severe consequences for export markets, and further erosion of public confidence in food safety. Proponents of vaccination point to success in other countries, and studies that show that vaccinated meat is safe to eat. Vaccination would also introduce a 'firewall' around badly hit areas.
The Government has said that no vaccination policy will be introduced without farmers' consent.
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