Foot and Mouth Disease Agreement
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, deer and goats. FMD is rarely fatal but could still lead to significant production loss, and severely impact our meat and dairy industry.
Common FMD symptoms are:
• Blisters in the mouth, on the feet, or on the teats
• High fever
• Loss of appetite due to mouth pain
• Lameness or difficulty walking caused by blisters, and
• Decreased milk production.
The FMD agreement: An agreement has been entered into between six major livestock industry organisations and the government. It formalises how all parties will work together to prepare for, and respond to, an outbreak of FMD in New Zealand.
The agreement outlines clear roles and responsibilities for all partners, including how associated costs will be shared. It gives industry partners a direct and legally binding role in decision-making. This ensures that the perspectives of farmers and industry stakeholders are included in every stage of the response.
It is estimated that an FMD outbreak in New Zealand could cost up to $3 billion to eradicate. Livestock industry partners would contribute up to 40% of preparation costs and 15% of response costs, with total contributions capped at $450 million over the five year duration of the agreement.
Recent FMD outbreaks overseas highlight the importance of New Zealand reaching an adequate level of preparedness and the peace of mind this will provide for industry providers.
DISCLAIMER: All the information published is true and accurate to the best of the authors’ knowledge. It should not be a substitute for legal advice. No liability is assumed by the authors or publisher for losses suffered by any person or organisation relying directly or indirectly on this article. Views expressed are those of individual authors, and do not necessarily reflect the view of this firm. Articles appearing in this newsletter may be reproduced with prior approval from the editor and credit given to the source. Copyright, NZ LAW Limited, 2019. Editor: Adrienne Olsen. E-mail: adrienne@adroite.co.nz. Ph: 029 286 3650 or 04 496 5513.