Review of rabies prevention policies

Veterinary risk assessments and consultation comments informing the review into the UK's current rabies prevention policy have been published today.

Veterinary risk assessments were commissioned into the risk of rabies and other exotic diseases entering the UK. These have been completed and independently peer reviewed.

Fred Landeg, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer said:

"We need to ensure that our controls on rabies and other exotic diseases are proportionate to the risk of these diseases entering the UK, whilst always considering the primary aim of protecting public health.

"Our disease control policies are always based on the principles of risk and proportionality however it is important that the science on which we base our policies is sound and stands up to scrutiny."

Minister for Animal Health and Welfare, Ben Bradshaw said:

"I welcome the opportunity to take a fresh look at our rabies controls. I note there is some support from external stakeholders for change in rabies controls where this can be based on the evidence. I also acknowledge their concerns about the risks of other diseases entering the UK.

"The evidence received so far from government vets, officials and the veterinary risk assessments raises very important questions about our current approach. It indicates that our current controls may no longer be proportionate to the risk of rabies entering the UK and we may need to consider modernising processes and regulation in this area. Our controls must also be consistent with current thinking on better regulation.

"I will be seeking further views before I reach conclusions.

Meanwhile, our current rabies prevention policies remain firmly in place."

The veterinary risk assessments, and a summary of the views received from the initial consultation with external stakeholder organisations, are now available on the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/rabies/index.htm