Foot and Mouth Disease 2001: Lessons to be Learned Inquiry

The Anderson Inquiry examined the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that led to the culling of approximately six million animals and economic losses estimated at £8 billion. Dr Iain Anderson's report, published in July 2002, made 81 recommendations addressing disease prevention, contingency planning, culling policy, scientific decision-making, and government coordination. The inquiry found that MAFF had been inadequately prepared, with outdated contingency plans and overly rigid application of the 'contiguous cull' policy. The most significant institutional change attributed to the inquiry was the replacement of MAFF with Defra in 2002, consolidating agricultural and environmental policy responsibilities. Parliament passed the Animal Health Act 2002, which incorporated recommendations on modernising disease control powers. The National Audit Office's June 2002 report noted that Defra had addressed most of Anderson's contingency planning recommendations through the Exotic Animal Disease Generic Contingency Plan. The inquiry's recommendations also addressed data management systems, with reforms building on existing systems like IACS for livestock tracking. While major structural and legislative changes are documented, some recommendations regarding regular reporting on preparedness and rapid response capabilities show no published evidence of implementation in available sources.

Animal Health Act 2002 PRIMARY

National Audit Office (NAO) (Jun 2002)

Led directly to Agricultural and animal health policy