Is there a vaccination for foot-and-mouth disease?
Why is it not used all the time? The EU has a policy of non-vaccination to protect its members’ “foot-and-mouth-free” status, which is given to those countries that do not have the disease and do not vaccinate. Disease-free countries will either not import livestock and meat from those without “foot-and-mouth-free” status or will impose tough restrictions. What is the problem with vaccinations? Vaccinated animals carry antibodies which make it hard to test whether the foot-and-mouth is present and they can still be carriers say critics. Thierry Chillaud of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) says vaccination can actually increase the risk, with the virus liable to escape from laboratories and the risk of flare-ups when it is not administered properly. Who is pushing for vaccination? The Dutch were horrified by images of the British cull and quickly moved for EU approval for a limited vaccination programme. In Britain the government says stretched resources slaughtering and d
