On 12 June, the Agriculture Council reached political agreement on the new foot-and-mouth disease directive. This new piece of legislation aims to improve EU measures to control future outbreaks of FMD.
A proposal was made by the Commission on 13 December 2002, giving emergency vaccination a central role in tackling FMD outbreaks. However, the proposal did not change the policy banning prophylactic vaccination.
FMD does not pose a health danger for humans but it has had in the past grave economic and psycho-social impact in the EU.
Following its formal adoption by the Council under the Italian presidency, the new FMD directive will enter into force in July 2004.
Foot and Mouth Disease dossier on Euractiv.com
Provisional minutes - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Luxembourg, 11-12 June 2003
