WRITTEN QUESTION E-2171/96 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (2 August 1996)

Subject: Foot-and-mouth disease

There have been outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in two villages in the Evros region of Greece, in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and in Albania.

Are research findings on foot-and-mouth disease available to the Commission? Has it already taken any measures to prevent the spread of the virus and eradicate the disease in order to protect consumers and, if so, what are those measures? Has it worked out the details of compensation and reached any conclusions as to the amount and time of payment in order to support producers who are contributing to the economic development of their countries? Does it, in this instance, intend to change its strategy of non-transparency and disinformation that marked the mad cow affair and provide the European public with correct information at the proper time?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (18 October 1996)

Foot-and-mouth disease is an extremely infectious viral disease of ruminants and pigs. The disease is characterised by the formation of vesicles on the foot and in and around the mouth. It is rarely fatal except in very young animals. Humans are slightly susceptible to infection and vesicles may develop in the mouth and on the hands. Very few cases have been reported even among people working with infected material. However, those handling infected material may retain the virus in the nasal mucosa for about 24 hours and may be able to transmit the infection to susceptible livestock.

Research findings are available to the Commission in scientific literature as research laboratories in several countries of the world have published research data for more than 40 years. Within the agriculture and fisheries programme (Fair) financial support has been provided in recent years for research concerning the diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease and the analysis of epidemiological data collected during outbreaks of the disease.

The measures applied to control and eradicate foot-and-mouth disease are based on the strategy of stamping-out infected herds and controlling the movement of susceptible animals, meat, milk and other products originating from the animals, vehicles and any substances liable to transmit the virus. The main legislation governing the control and eradication of the disease is provided by Council Directive 85/511/EEC introducing Community measures for the control of foot-and-mouth disease ((OJ L 315, 26.11.1985. )).

The above mentioned measures have been implemented by the Greek veterinary authorities as regards the outbreaks confirmed in the Evros region. With regard to the situation in Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Commission has provided technical advice towards the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease and adopted two decisions ((Commission Decision 96/368/EC, OJ L 145, 19.6.1996. )) ((Commission Decision 96/439/EC, OJ L 181, 20.7.1996. )) on Community financial contributions to measures to control the disease. These measures include the 850,000 doses of vaccine that can be made available to protect animals of susceptible species. Within the framework of Council Decision 90/424/EEC ((OJ L 224, 18.8.1990. )) Member States can obtain a financial contribution from the Community towards the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease. The level of compensation is up to 60% of the costs incurred by the Member State in compensating the owners for the slaughter and destruction of animals, the destruction of milk and of contaminated feedingstuffs and the cleaning and disinfection of holdings.

The policy concerning the control of foot-and-mouth disease is very transparent. Each Member State notifies any primary outbreak of the disease directly to the Commission and the other Member States within 24 hours ((Directive 82/894/EEC, OJ L 378, 31.12.1982. )). In 1989 the Commission presented a report to the Council on foot-and-mouth policy in the Community ((Report of the Commission to the Council on a study carried out by the Commission on policies currently applied by Member States in the control of foot-and-mouth disease (SEC(89) 1731 final). )), particularly in the context of the single market. Based on information provided in the report, the Council adopted the non-vaccination policy. The adoption of this policy was probably the most significant decision taken within the area of animal health prior to establishing the single market. Since 1991 the non-vaccination policy has probably saved the agricultural industry about 880 MECU in vaccine costs and has greatly enhanced freedom of trade. Thirteen out of fifteen Member States have remained free from the disease. It is evident, however, that the policy will continue to call for disease awareness and preparedness at all levels within the agricultural sector and the veterinary profession.