Defra's new Exotic Animal Disease Generic Contingency Plan has been laid before Parliament today.

The plan, produced for Defra by the State Veterinary Service, has a core generic section with specific annexes relating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Avian Influenza (AI), Newcastle Disease (ND), and Classical Swine Fever (CSF).

It reflects Defra's commitment to mounting an effective response to disease outbreaks. It takes account of the role of the State Veterinary Service as an agency, and builds on recommendations made by the Royal Society following the UK outbreak of FMD in 2001. It also draws on lessons learned from exercising the FMD Contingency Plan during "Exercise Hornbeam" in June 2004.

The contingency plan has already been out to public consultation and will be subject to ongoing revision based on the latest scientific advice, developments in policy, and comments from stakeholders and operational partners.

The plan will be reviewed annually to meet the provisions of the Animal Health Act.

The Contingency Plan can be accessed on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/control/contingency/index.htm .

Notes:

1. Section 18 of the Animal Health Act (AHA) 2002 requires that the appropriate authority must prepare a document (national contingency plan) indicating the arrangements the authority intends to put in place for the purpose of dealing with any occurrence of Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, and such other disease as the Authority by order specifies, and requires that the document be laid before Parliament. Plans must be reviewed at least annually.