Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network


SAFEFOOD NEWS - Fall 2001 - Vol 6, no. 1

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Update on Foot & Mouth Disease in Great Britain

February 20, 2001, marked the report of a confirmed foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Great Britain. The response by world-wide media at the time was significant. Appropriate responses by governmental agencies of all countries were made and are continuing. The impact on citizens around the world, both with agricultural and non-agricultural interests, regarding the potential of animal disease to affect economies and diverse industries, let alone food choices and availability, was reaffirmed. Perhaps it would be of interest to know what's currently going on in Great Britain regarding FMD six months later.

As of August 15, 2001, there were 1,951 confirmed cases of FMD in Great Britain. These cases exposed animals on 9,078 premises in Great Britain and resulted in the sacrifice of 3,749,000 animals (579,000 cattle, 3,010,000 sheep, 140,000 pigs, 2,000 goats, 1,000 deer, and 7,000 other animals). Once identified as positive or exposed to FMD, 67% were sacrificed within 24 hours; 89% within 36 hours. The outbreak wiped out nearly 7% of Great Britain's total livestock inventories.

The outbreak, which began in late February 2001, peaked in late March 2001, with over 40 new cases reported per day. May 17 was the first day following news of the outbreak that no new cases were reported. By mid August (when this report was written), Great Britain was averaging about three new cases per week. The British government will call the crisis over when three weeks have passed without any new cases.

With regard to restocking, producers have three options. The first is to perform a "full and final" cleansing and disinfection of the affected premise. After 21 days of down time and procuring a permit, which includes a restocking plan, producers will be allowed to restock. Animals will then be inspected regularly for four weeks. With regard to sheep and goats, they will need to be blood tested after 28 days before restrictions are lifted. Additional restrictions may be in place for sheep consistent with a national sheep surveillance plan.

The second option for restocking is to perform a "full and final" cleansing and disinfection of the affected premise. If no animals are brought onto the farm for four months, the restrictions are then lifted. Should a producer not be able to perform the cleansing and disinfection consistent with federal guidelines and approval, no restocking of animals will be allowed on the premise for 12 months.

The British government has estimated that the disease will cost taxpayers over 2 billion pounds, an equivalent of over $2.85 billion dollars. As a result of FMD, policies have been implemented to guide the harvesting of grain and the implementation of grouse, pheasant and partridge hunting. Many have predicted that the countryside of Great Britain will change dramatically following this outbreak. Some have even questioned whether the government should subsidize selected industries and that this may be the final time for such subsidy in British livestock agriculture. The final impact from this outbreak of FMD will take the next several years to be determined. More significantly, however, may be the priceless loss of human spirit and the associated feelings of helplessness.

Source: Written by David L. Morris, DVM, PhD. Dr. Morris is the National Leader for The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN).

Updated Monday, August 29, 2011