Press Release: FMD: Byrne welcomes new EU legislation to control outbreaks

New legislation on European Union measures to control outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was adopted by the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 29 September 2003. FMD is not dangerous for human health but outbreaks of this highly contagious viral disease in livestock have an exceptional economic and psycho-social impact on the rural and national economy in the EU. The Directive sets out detailed measures to rapidly control and eradicate the disease and outlines procedures on recovering the status 'free of FMD and infection without vaccination', which is of crucial importance for trade. Control actions are supplemented with measures to ensure a high level of preparedness against the disease. The Commission is given a key role in managing an outbreak in partnership with the Member States. The Directive enters into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member States must comply with the provisions by 30 June 2004 at the latest.