Genus appointed as emergency vaccination contractor by DEFRA

Defra have announced that a contract has been awarded to Genus Plc to provide emergency vaccination, if required, in the event of a future foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Great Britain.

This contract will provide support to the State Veterinary Service which operates on a Great Britain basis. It will allow for emergency vaccination of susceptible farmed livestock and other susceptible animal species if required in the event of a future outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

Genus, working under the direction of the State Veterinary Service, will be operationally ready to undertake a programme of emergency vaccination within five days of an outbreak, if requested. This equates to 150 vaccination personnel working under the direction of veterinary surgeons, along with associated equipment, accommodation and administration. In addition Genus is also committed to ramping up the initial response to meet any reasonable disease scenario.

The range of factors which would need to be considered in deciding whether to proceed with an emergency vaccination programme are spelled out in the Defra Foot and Mouth Disease Contingency Plan, but ultimately, any decision would be based on veterinary and scientific advice.

Animal Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said:

"The Government would consider vaccination immediately in the event of any future outbreak of foot and mouth. This contract will ensure the capability will be there if it is decided by the Government that an emergency programme of vaccination can help to tackle the outbreak and its consequences."