The Ministry has access to the world reference laboratory and world experts at the Institute for Animal Health at Pirbright, Surrey. There is also a significant body of knowledge available in published scientific papers. Compensation for animals destroyed to control foot and mouth disease is paid at the full market value of the animal immediately before it became affected with disease, or immediately before slaughter in all other cases.
Animals are subject to an independent valuation prior to slaughter.
This will take into account whether an animal's pedigree status or any other factor has a bearing on its value. It provides basic information on how the disease is spread and explains what can be done to reduce the risk of disease spreading to animals contained on these sites. For example, zoos should prevent contact between the public and animals and ensure that no waste food is fed to the animals. Disinfection procedures should be introduced or improved for staff, visitors and for any vehicles that enter compounds containing susceptible animals. We have not provided specific advice on rare or endangered species.