§ Lord Greavesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the latest scientific advice they have received on the desirability of introducing a policy of vaccination against foot and mouth disease [HL84]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Veterinary Officer advised in favour of vaccinating cattle in North Cumbria, and possibly Devon, on 18 April 2001, provided there was substantial support for the campaign from farmers, veterinarians, consumers and the food trade. It became clear that that level of support was not present.
Vaccination policy is kept under continuous review but our advisers have not made any other recommendations for a vaccination campaign.