Vaccination can be used in two quite different ways. One approach is to use a national policy of vaccination as the protection mechanism against Foot and Mouth Disease. That is not a policy adopted or favoured by any Member State, or by the European Commission. It is, however, accepted that emergency vaccination can play a role in controlling an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, either to establish zones of protection between infected areas and the rest of the country, or to reduce the number of cases in disease hot spots. The Commission has already agreed to the possible temporary use of vaccination in such circumstances by the Dutch authorities.
Vaccination is no easy option.
It would be expected to delay full return to international trade, at least for the region affected, and would be likely to require tight additional controls, at least in the area concerned. We would need to consider, with the Commission, whether it was necessary in due course to slaughter vaccinated animals, with compensation, as part of a return to normal trading. The Government is considering whether to use vaccination. I have therefore authorised my representative in the EU Standing Veterinary Committee to seek a contingent decision permitting the use of vaccination during the present outbreak, so that it can be deployed immediately if we conclude that it is the right approach. Mr Speaker, we have done a great deal to help farmers financially.