DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan

Annexe F

SWINE VESICULAR DISEASE

DCC Contingency Plan Annexe F - Swine Vesicular Disease – 06/2010 2

Contents

The contents of Annexe F on Swine Vesicular Disease must be read in conjunction with the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan

Annexe F only contains information that is applicable during an outbreak of Swine Vesicular Disease. All structures, stakeholders, roles and information that are relevant to all notifiable animal diseases are contained within the main contingency plan.

Chapter Subject Page 1. Introduction 3 1.1 Swine Vesicular Disease 3 1.2 Risk of Swine Vesicular Disease Spreading to the UK 3 1.3 Human Health Concerns 3 1.4 DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency 3 Plan and Annexe F on Swine Vesicular Disease 1.5 Overview of Devon County Council Role 4 2. Epidemiology 5 2.1 Definition 5 2.2 After-Effects of Disease 5 2.3 Transmission 5 2.4 Clinical Signs 6 2.4.1 Clinical Signs in Cattle 6 2.4.2 Clinical Signs in Sheep/Goats 6 2.4.3 Clinical Signs in Pigs 6 2.5 Main Aspects of Disease Control 7&8 3. Legislation 9 4. Wider Stakeholders – Swine Vesicular Disease 10 5. Overview of Disease Stages and Controls 11&12 6. Plan Implementation – Devon County Council 13 Functions and Responsibilities 6.1 Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement 13 Function – Swine Vesicular Disease 6.1.1 Initiation and Activation – Swine Vesicular Disease 14 6.1.2 Management and Control – Swine Vesicular Disease 14 6.1.3 Stand Down and Recovery – Swine Vesicular 15 Disease 6.1.4 Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement – Job 15 & 16 Specification - Swine Vesicular Disease 6.2 Other Devon County Council Services – Swine 17 & 18 Vesicular Disease Emergency Planning, Communications and Public Relations, Highways and Public Rights of Way, and Elected Members 7. Useful Information and Advice 19 7.1 Advice on Writing Public Information and Advice 19

Leaflets/Letters 7.2 Frequently Asked Questions 19 & 20 & 21 7.3 Vehicle Check Sheet 22 & 23 8. Additional Information Sources 24

1. Introduction

1.1 Swine Vesicular Disease

Swine vesicular disease (SVD) is contagious disease caused by a virus. It was first diagnosed and probably first appeared in Italy in 1966. There was much speculation as to the origin of this apparently new disease, and some laboratory data supported the idea that it was a new virus derived in part from a human enterovirus. The first outbreak of SVD in Great Britain was in 1972. Over the next ten years 532 cases involving a total of 322,081 pigs were confirmed before the disease was eradicated from this county in 1982. SVD has persisted in Italy, where it is now considered endemic. The rest of Europe is free from the disease apart from one case in Portugal reported in June 2007.

1.2 Risk of Swine Vesicular Disease spreading to the UK

The UK has remained free from SVD since 1982 when the disease was eradicated. Europe is free from the disease apart from a case in Portugal in June 2007. Italy is now considered endemic with the disease.

In Britain the disease only arises as a result of imported infection. SVD is endemic in Italy. Therefore, there is a risk that the disease could enter the UK at any time, for example through illegal imports. The EU and the UK have enhanced their controls on imports of illegal meat and meat products to reduce the risk, however this risk cannot be totally eliminated.

1.3 Human Health Concerns

Pigs are the only natural host. Baby mice can be experimentally infected, and there has been accidental laboratory infection of humans. Caution should be taken when working with infected material.

Advice from the Department of Health is that it is extremely rare for humans to contract SVD.

The Food Standards Agency has advised that SVD in animals has no implications for the human food chain.

1.4 DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan and Annexe F on Swine Vesicular Disease.

The contents of Annexe B on SVD must be read in conjunction with the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan

Annexe F only contains information that is applicable during an outbreak of SVD. All structures, stakeholders, roles and information that are relevant to

DCC Contingency Plan Annexe F - Swine Vesicular Disease – 06/2010 5 all notifiable animal diseases are contained within the main contingency plan.

Further details are available in the Exotic Animal Disease Generic Contingency Plan produced by Defra. This is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/index.htm

1.5 Overview of Devon County Council Role

SVD is a notifiable animal disease.

The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 places a statutory duty upon local authorities to be prepared for a notifiable animal disease outbreak. The Animal Health Act 1981 (as amended by the Animal Health Act 2002) and the European Communities Act 1972 include further specific duties for local authorities in the event of a suspect or confirmed notifiable animal disease.

Further details of the duties placed upon local authorities by the Civil Contingencies Act, the Animal Health Act and European Communities Act are available within the DCC LACORS Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan

Local authorities will perform a range of essential duties in the event of a SVD outbreak. The role played by Devon County Council will be key to the effective control and eradication of a disease situation, and in ensuring that the needs of the local community are provided for. The Secretary of State has a certain degree of flexibility in terms of the control measures depending on the circumstances of the disease outbreak. Therefore local authorities are strongly advised to carefully examine individual Declaratory Orders.

The basic disease control policy is slaughter of all susceptible animals on premises infected with SVD, and dangerous contacts. Movement restrictions are also put in place to help contain the disease. Biosecurity is of paramount importance in control of SVD.

The animal health and welfare enforcement function within local authorities will perform a range of key duties in the event of a confirmed case of SVD. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing The Swine Vesicular Disease Regulations 2009, the definition of disease can be found in Section 88 of the Animal Health Act 1981 which includes Swine Vesicular Disease for all the purposes of the Act, and enables pigs affected or suspected of being affected with that disease, or exposed to infection, to be slaughtered. It also applies certain provisions relating to Foot and Mouth Disease for the purpose of Swine Vesicular Disease. Regulation 40 of The Swine Vesicular Disease 2009, provides for compensation to be paid for pigs killed or slaughtered under these regulations.

If the pig was affected with swine vesicular disease the compensation is its value immediately before it became so affected( less any price received by the owner at slaughter).Otherwise the compensation is its value immediately before it was killed or slaughtered. The Secretary of State must pay compensation for anything seized (unless it is returned) under these regulations at its value at the time of seizure.

The Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 2007 also provides for the tracing and movement control of pigs. The Disease Control (England) Order 2003 will also provide powers and information for the disinfection and control of disease.

Local authorities will also play an essential role in ensuring that their communities are accurately made aware of the current situation and any restrictions upon activities, without causing any concern or panic. This role must be fulfilled through all feasible avenues, but particularly the animal health and welfare, emergency planning and communications functions.

2. Epidemiology

2.1 Definition

The clinical signs are indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease in pigs. The incubation period of SVD is between two and seven days, and following a transient fever of up to 41 degrees Centigrade, vesicles (blisters) develop on the coronary band, typically at the junction with the heel.

The disease usually appears suddenly but does not spread with the same rapidity as foot-and-mouth disease.

Mortality is low but in acute cases there can be some loss of production. In the initial stages there is fever and a transient loss of appetite.

Lameness develops due to the eruption of vesicles at the top of the hooves and between the toes. Vesicles may also develop on the snout, tongue and lips. The surface under the vesicles is red and this gradually changes colour as healing develops. When severe vesication has occurred at the hoof head, the entire hoof may be shed. In less severe cases the healed lesion may grow down the hoof and its presence is indicated by a black transverse mark. Recovery is usually complete within two to three weeks. This description of the signs of SVD will vary according to the age of the pigs affected, the conditions under which they are kept, and the strain of SVD virus involved.

Disease caused by mild strains can go unnoticed, particularly in pigs kept on grass or housed in deep straw.

Younger animals are more severely affected, although mortality due to SVD is rare. Nervous signs are unusual.

2.2 After–Effects of the Disease

SVD is rarely fatal, except in very young or old animals. The disease normally runs its course in 2 – 3 weeks, after which most animals recover. However, affected animals loose condition and secondary bacterial infections may prolong the recovery period. SVD therefore, has serious economic consequences for pig breeders and growers.

2.2 Transmission

The disease can be introduced into a herd by feeding garbage containing infected meat scraps (Animal-by-Products Regulations 2005 applies), by introducing infected animals, or by contacting infected feces (e.g., an improperly cleaned truck).

Recent outbreaks in Europe appeared after the introduction of animals that had no clinical sign of SVD, which indicates that there is a subclinical form of the disease. After the initial infection, the disease spreads through contact of susceptible pigs with infected pigs and infected feces.

Animals pick up the virus either by direct contact with an infected animal, by contact with foodstuffs or other objects that have had contact with an infected animal, or by eating or coming into contact with the carcase of an infected animal.

Lorries, loading ramps and market places where infected animals have passed have the potential to cause infection until disinfected, as do the boots, clothes and hands of stockmen who have been in contact with infected animals. Even roads can become contaminated and the virus could be picked up on the wheels of passing vehicles.

As it can be seen, SVD is highly infectious and would easily and quickly spread around the country if a disease control strategy were not put in place.

2.4 Clinical Signs

Signs of SVD develop in 2 to 3 days after eating contaminated feed and in 2 to 7 days after contact with infected pigs.

Clinical signs are very similar to those of foot-and-mouth disease and other vesicular diseases. There is a fever, vesicles in the mouth and on the snout and feet, and lameness, all of which are grossly indistinguishable from FMD. More suggestive of SVD is an unsteady gait, shivering, and chorea — (jerking) — type leg movements due to an encephalitis.

Current policies for the control of an outbreak of SVD can be viewed online at http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/svd/index.htm #clinical

2.4.1 Clinical Signs in Cattle

This disease does not affect cattle. Although farms that have pigs on the holding may be restricted due to the contamination of manure and therefore may need to move under licence. . 2.4.2 Clinical Signs in Sheep/Goat

This disease does not affect sheep/goats. Although farms that have pigs on the holding may be restricted due to the contamination of manure and therefore may need to move under licence.

2.4.3 Clinical Signs in Pigs

The clinical signs are indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease in pigs. The incubation period of SVD is between two and seven days, and following a transient fever of up to 41 degrees Centigrade, vesicles (blisters) develop on the coronary band, typically at the junction with the heel.

The disease usually appears suddenly but does not spread with the same rapidity as foot-and-mouth disease.

Mortality is low but in acute cases there can be some loss of production. In the initial stages there is fever and a transient loss of appetite.

Lameness develops due to the eruption of vesicles at the top of the hooves and between the toes. Vesicles may also develop on the snout, tongue and lips. The surface under the vesicles is red and this gradually changes colour as healing develops. When severe vesication has occurred at the hoof head, the entire hoof may be shed. In less severe cases the healed lesion may grow down the hoof and its presence is indicated by a black transverse mark. Recovery is usually complete within two to three weeks. This description of the signs of SVD will vary according to the age of the pigs affected, the conditions under which they are kept, and the strain of SVD virus involved.

Disease caused by mild strains can go unnoticed, particularly in pigs kept on grass or housed in deep straw.

Younger animals are more severely affected, although mortality due to SVD is rare. Nervous signs are unusual.

2.5 Main Aspects of Disease Control

In Great Britain the accepted disease control strategy involves:

 Slaughter  Disinfection  Movement control

The disease control strategy adopted will be consistent with the UK’s EU obligations and in line with the appropriate EU legislation. The Government’s objective in tackling any fresh outbreaks of SVD will be to eradicate the disease as quickly as possible and to maintain the UK’s disease-free status. In doing so, the Government will seek to select a control strategy which:  causes the least possible disruption to the food, farming and tourism industries, to visitors to the countryside, and to rural communities and the wider economy;

 minimises the number of animals which need to be slaughtered, either to control the disease or on welfare grounds, and which keeps animal welfare problems to a minimum;  minimises damage to the environment and protects public health;  minimises the burden on taxpayers and the public at large. Information on Outbreak Management.

On suspicion of disease the Secretary of State will make a declaration establishing a Temporary Control Zone around the suspect premises. This will be of a size considered necessary to prevent the spread of disease. Within the Temporary Control Zone movements of animals to and from premises (including into or out of the zone) are not allowed. A Supplementary Movement Control zone may also be established, restricting the movement of animals in a wider area.

The following policies will be applied on confirmation of SVD: (Note: The first case will be confirmed by the CVO following Laboratory diagnosis)  Export health certificates for animals and animal products will be withdrawn. Exports from GB of susceptible animals during the risk period will be identified and notified to the importing countries;  Diseased and other susceptible animals on infected premises will be killed with a target of within 24 hours of report. Those identified as dangerous contacts will be culled with a target of within 48 hours of report;  A Protection Zone will be imposed with a minimum radius of 3km around the Infected Premises and a Surveillance Zone with a minimum radius of 10km. In the Protection Zone no animal movements will be allowed except for movement to emergency slaughter. In both the Protection and Surveillance Zones, there will be requirements for increased levels of biosecurity on farms, cleansing and disinfection (C&D) of vehicles, people and machinery moving on/off farms. Movement of animals, animal products, feed and bedding will be prohibited, except under licence. Products from animals in these zones will be subject to treatment to ensure destruction of the SVD virus. This is an animal health measure rather than a public health measure;  Disposal by incineration will be implemented immediately with rendering as the next option and other disposal routes being available as an additional resource subject to environmental, land use planning and public health considerations. Further details of Outbreak Management.

3. Legislation

The Swine Vesicular Disease Regulations 2009 apply in England and came into force on 30th June 2009 revoking : The Swine Vesicular Disease Order 1972 The Swine Vesicular Disease (Amendment) Order 1973 and The Swine Vesicular Disease (Compensation) Order 1972

Regulation 4- Exemptions: these regulations do not apply to anything done under the terms of a licence granted under the Specified Animal Pathogens Order 2008 or any border inspection post, quarantine centre or quarantine facility approved for the purposes of the Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) (England) regulations 2006. Parts 3 and 4 do not apply in any period during which action is being taken under the Foot and Mouth Disease (England) Order 2006.

Regulation 42- Offences and penalties: A person guilty of an offence under these regulations is liable on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both or on conviction on indictment, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.

Regulation 45-Enforcement: These regulations are enforced by the Local Authority. The Secretary of State may direct, in relation to cases of a particular description or in relation to particular cases, that the Secretary of State will enforce these Regulations instead

The Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 2007 provides for the tracing and movement control of pigs.

The Disease of Animals (Seizure) Order 1993 also provides the collection of dead stock or seizure of carcases.

The Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (England) Order 2003

This Order requires that vehicles and equipment used to transport animals must, with very few exceptions, be cleansed and if necessary disinfected, after the animals have been unloaded and before any further animals are loaded. This is one of the main principles of disease prevention.

4. Wider Stakeholders – SVD

Key stakeholders and wider stakeholders that are relevant to all notifiable animal health diseases are listed within the generic contingency plan. This section only outlines wider stakeholders that may be of relevance during an outbreak of SVD.

There are a number of businesses, and some individuals that keep various breeds of pigs that are susceptible to SVD. Many of these will already be known to local authorities.

There are a number of national associations that represent breeders and keepers of pigs that are susceptible to SVD. In particular there are a vast number relating to specialist breeds. It is recommended that local authorities make contact with any local branches of the main associations. It is also recommended that authorities make contact with any other hobbyist or specialist associations operating within their area.

The majority of areas will have their own smallholders association. Details can frequently be located on the internet, and authorities should make contact with these.

Some associations that may have local branches include:

The British Pig Association http://www.britishpigs.org.uk/about.htm The British Pig Association registers pedigree pigs and represents the interests of pedigree pig breeders.

National Pig Association http://www.npa-uk.net/ The National Pig Association is active on behalf of its members for the growth and prosperity of the British Pig industry.

DCC Contingency Plan Annexe F - Swine Vesicular Disease – 06/2010 5. Overview of Disease Stages and Controls 13 The following diagram details the various stages of Swine Vesicular Disease outbreak, and the restrictions that would be applied under The Swine Vesicular Disease Regulations 2009.

Notification (Part 2) Schedule 1 - Measures on suspect and infected premises Any person in possession or charge of, or The occupier must record : who inspects or examines, a pig or - the categories of pigs on the premises and number in each category; carcase and who suspects the pig to be - the number of pigs in each of those infected or the carcase to be categories that are already dead; and contaminated with swine vesicular the number which show clinical signs disease virus must immediately notify the of swine vesicular disease; or are likely to be infected or Secretary of state. (Regulation 5) contaminated with swine vesicular disease virus. The occupier must— Suspicion (Part 3)(Chapter 2) - update this record on a daily basis, and record details of every pig born on An inspector must in accordance with this the premises and keep for at least six regulation on suspicion that a pig that is months. Housing or isolation of pigs or has been infected with SVD is on any The occupier must ensure that all pigs premises or premises are contaminated on the premises are with SVD the inspector must serve a - kept in their buildings or, if they are notice on the occupier designating those kept in a field, kept isolated so far as practicable from wild pigs, or premises as suspect premises and - confined or isolated as directed by a imposing the measures in Schedule 1 and veterinary inspector. ensure that the warning signs prohibiting Disinfection entry are erected at suitable points The occupier must -provide and maintain means of around the premises. disinfection at the entrances to, and exits from, the premises and all A veterinary inspector must begin an buildings on those premises housing pigs, and epidemiological inquiry to try to establish -comply with any directions from a at least – the length of time that SVD may veterinary inspector concerning such have existed on the premises, the origin means of disinfection. of that virus, the identification of other Restriction on movement of pigs No person may move any pig or other premises contaminated with the virus animal to or from the premises except from the same source, the movement of under the authority of a licence issued any person or thing that could have by a veterinary inspector or an officer carried the virus to or from the premises, of the Secretary of State acting under the direction of a veterinary inspector. and the possibility that pigs living in the Restriction on movement of vehicles wild may be involved in the spread of the No person may move any vehicle to or virus and must continue the inquiry until from the premises, except under the authority of a licence issued by a veterinary inspector or an officer of the Secretary of State acting under the direction of a veterinary inspector. Veterinary Inquiry (Part 2) Restriction on removal of anything liable to transmit swine vesicular disease The Chief Veterinary Officer shall ensure No person may remove from the that the presence or suspicion of infection premises any thing (including meat, or contamination is investigated by a carcases, and animal feed) liable to transmit swine vesicular disease virus, veterinary inspector. This includes except under the authority of a licence tracing of possible disease spread. issued by a veterinary inspector or an officer of the Secretary of State acting under the direction of a veterinary inspector. Restriction on persons entering and leaving the premises No person may enter or leave the premises unless -it is necessary to do so for the provision of emergency services, or - that person is authorised to do so by a licence issued by a veterinary inspector or an officer of the Secretary of State acting under the direction of a veterinary inspector.

DCC Contingency Plan Annexe F - Swine Vesicular Disease – 06/2010 Schedule 2, Part 1 Measures in the 14 Protection Zone - No person may move pigs through the zone unless they do so without stopping. Infected Area – Declaration of -No person may move pigs on to premises in the zone unless licensed by Protection and Surveillance Zones Schedule 2, Part 1 a veterinary inspector Measures in Surveillance -No person may move pigs off premises Zones in the zone unless licensed by a The Secretary of State shall declare an area -No person may move pigs off veterinary inspector to be a Protection Zone (Regulation 24). premises in a surveillance zone -A licence may be granted at any time unless licensed by a veterinary if problems have arisen in keeping the This shall be centred on the infected inspector or an inspector acting animals; or at least 30 days have premise and have a radius of at least 3Km. under the direction of a veterinary elapsed since the protection zone was The measures in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule inspector. declared; or the move is direct to other - A licence may be granted if a premises located within the protection 2 apply in the PZ. veterinary surgeon has inspected all zone; and a veterinary surgeon has the pigs on the premises, and inspected of all the pigs on the The Secretary of State shall declare an area examined the pigs to be moved to premises, and examined all the pigs to to be a Surveillance Zone (Regulation 27). slaughter (with negative results) be moved, with negative results within within the 48 hours preceding the the 48 hours preceding the movement. This shall be centred on the same premises movement; -A licence may also be granted at any and have a radius of at least 10Km. The a serological examination of a time in the case of two sets of premises measures in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 2 statistical sample of the pigs to be divided by a highway provided that the apply in the SZ. moved has been carried out at the sets of premises would be contiguous owner’s expense without the except for the highway. detection of antibodies to swine -Otherwise a licence may only be vesicular disease virus within the 14 granted if 21 days have elapsed since Where the disease is confirmed in a wild days preceding the movement; and the last premises in the zone infected animal, a Wild Animal Infected Zone shall vehicles and equipment used for the with swine vesicular disease were transport of the pigs are cleansed and cleansed and disinfected by the be declared (Regulation 35). In addition to disinfected after each transport Secretary of operation. State and the move is direct to a In addition, a licence may be granted slaughterhouse designated for the for movement to a slaughterhouse in purpose by the Secretary of State where the surveillance zone designated for they are kept and slaughtered separately Lifting Restriction the purpose by the Secretary of State from other pigs, provided that a where they are kept and slaughtered veterinary surgeon has inspected all the separately from other pigs; to other pigs on the premises, and examined the premises in the surveillance zone pigs to be moved to slaughter (with Removal of restrictions from infected premises provided that no pigs have moved negative results) within the 48 hours -Unless otherwise provided for in these Regulations, the into the premises of origin in the preceding the movement; and the pigs fallback position is that a veterinary inspector may not remove previous 21 days; or between two are transported in a sealed vehicle; or the measures in Schedule 1 on infected premises until the sets of premises divided by a direct to other premises located within Secretary of State is satisfied that sufficient time has elapsed highway provided that the sets of the protection zone, provided that a for the virus to have decayed premises would be contiguous veterinary surgeon has inspected all the naturally to the extent that it will no longer infect pigs. except for the highway. pigs on the premises from which the - But a veterinary inspector may remove the measures in Cleansing vehicles pigs are to be moved, and examined the Schedule 1 before that time in parts of the premises capable of Vehicles and equipment used within pigs to be moved (with negative results) being cleansed and disinfected if; the surveillance zone to transport within the 48 hours preceding the -the occupier has cleansed and disinfected those parts of the pigs, or other livestock or material movement. premises to the satisfaction of the veterinary inspector, and which may be contaminated with Cleansing vehicles -the premises have been tested for the existence of swine disease may not leave the Vehicles and equipment used within the vesicular disease virus using sentinel pigs with negative surveillance zone without having protection zone to transport; results. been cleansed and disinfected in -pigs, or other livestock or material, such a way as to minimise the risk of may not leave the premises of spread of disease. destination without having been In the case of a livestock vehicle the cleansed and disinfected in such a way cleansing and disinfection must be in as to minimise the risk of spread of accordance with the protocol in disease. Schedule 2 to the Transport of -In all cases, the person in charge of the Animals (Cleansing and vehicle must at least Disinfection) (England) - cleanse and disinfect its wheels, wheel (No. 3) Order 2003. arches and mud flaps In all other cases, the person in - ensure that the exterior of the vehicle charge of the vehicle must at least— is not visibly contaminated with mud, cleanse and disinfect its wheels, faeces or other material that might carry wheel arches and mud flaps; and swine vesicular disease virus. ensure that the exterior of the vehicle -In the case of a livestock vehicle the is not visibly contaminated with cleansing and disinfection must be in mud, faeces or accordance with the protocol in other material that might carry Schedule 2 to the Transport of Animals disease. This paragraph does not (Cleansing and disinfection) (England) apply in relation to vehicles (No. 3) Order 2003. travelling through the surveillance zone without stopping.

6. Plan Implementation – Devon County Council Functions and Responsibilities

There is a clear range of specific functions that must be performed by a Devon County Council in the event of a notifiable animal disease situation. The majority of these functions remain the same for all types of notifiable animal disease, and therefore are comprehensively detailed within the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan.

The generic contingency plan includes an overview of each key Devon County Council function throughout a disease outbreak, including animal health and welfare enforcement, highways and footpaths, communications and emergency planning. The outline for each function also includes job specifications that must be performed to achieve the overall requirements in that area.

However, the duties performed under the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement function may vary in detail and emphasis depending upon the individual disease that has occurred. Specifically the role performed by the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer will change in consideration of legislative duties, and the operational requirements that are unique to each disease.

As a result the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan only includes an overview of the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer role, and each individual annexe will include further details of what is required from that role in consideration of the unique requirements of each disease.

Each annexe will also include further details of what is expected of the Animal Health and Welfare Function as a whole.

As highlighted in the generic contingency plan, the level of resource required within Devon County Council to perform each job specification will vary depending upon the type and extent of the notifiable disease situation. Each Devon County Council will also have to consider the level of resource that can be committed to control of the disease, and should escalate any resource concerns through established regional and national communication channels.

The details provided below must be utilised in conjunction with the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan.

6.1 Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function– Swine Vesicular Disease

The animal health and welfare enforcement function is usually performed within the Trading Standards or Environmental Health service of Devon County Council.

Comprehensive information about the role of the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function during an animal disease outbreak is included within the LACORS generic contingency plan, and the additional details within this section apply to an outbreak of SVD only.

6.1.1 Initiation and Activation – Swine Vesicular Disease

The principle consideration for local authorities in the event of a SVD outbreak will be effective enforcement of movement controls and cleansing and disinfection requirements. This reflects the national control policies which are slaughter, disinfection and control of movements in order to prevent spread. Upon confirmation of SVD it is likely that there will be an immediate GB wide ban on movement of susceptible species.

In the early stages of an outbreak local authorities and the police will play an important role in enforcement of the ban. Authorities should ensure that sufficient resources are deployed to carry out this function. In particular Devon County Council where an outbreak occurs must quickly assess if they have sufficient capacity to effectively enforce the movement restrictions. If necessary, an authority should consider buying in resources in the form of secondment of animal health staff from other local authorities around the country. In order to assist with this LACORS has produced Guidance on Secondment of Officers During an Animal Disease Outbreak, details of this can be found in Section 8 to this Annexe.

Another key consideration for all Devon County Council functions during an outbreak of SVD will be effective communication with their local communities. This will therefore provide a major role for Devon County Council Emergency Planning and Communications services. The key focus for Devon County Council will be its residents. The focus on communication will be particularly apparent at the outset of disease suspicion, although it may lessen as the contingency plan moves to final stand down and implementation of the recovery process. This will be dependent on national and local handling of the disease outbreak and the success of the disease control policies.

Local authorities must remain aware that there will be extensive interest in any suspect and confirmed cases of SVD immediately, and the effects that the outbreak can have on local rural economies.

Furthermore, the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function must ensure that strong communication links are established between Devon County Council and Animal Health (SVS). This relationship will be fundamental to the effective control of a SVD outbreak, and ensuring

DCC Contingency Plan Annexe F - Swine Vesicular Disease – 06/2010 17 effective communication channels to the farming industry and local community.

6.1.2 Management and Control – Swine Vesicular Disease

During a SVD outbreak Devon County Council Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function will deliver the full range of activities that are standard to all notifiable animal disease outbreaks, including enforcement of movement restrictions associated with The Swine Vesicular Disease Regulations 2009.

One of the key responsibilities of Devon County Council is to provide ongoing representation at the Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC). This will enable Devon County Council to gain up to date information about management of the disease, and to raise any disease control issues.

Animal Health (SVS) will take the lead in visiting and carrying out enforcement at all suspect premises and any dangerous contact premises that have been identified. Local authorities should not knowingly enter premises with confirmed or suspected SVD. This is because officers would not then be able to visit other farm premises for some time, in order to prevent spread of the disease.

In addition to the immense work highlighted above, it is also pertinent to mention that all Devon County Council functions and departments will play a key role in ongoing communication with the public and wider stakeholders. It is essential that all Devon County Council staff aim to ensure that all communication with the public is accurate and aims to prevent widespread panic.

It is likely that the policy advice and general information made available by Defra/LACORS will change rapidly in the event of a SVD outbreak. Local authorities must maintain proactive awareness of the current situation and guidance through the Defra and LACORS websites. It is suggested that a designated Officer is given responsibility for routinely checking these websites for updated information.

6.1.3 Stand Down and Recovery – Swine Vesicular Disease

The Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function within local authorities should follow the stand down and recovery procedures laid down within the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan.

The function should also provide input to the authority-wide Strategic Recovery Group.

6.1.4 Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer Job Specification – Swine Vesicular Disease

In the event of an outbreak of SVD it is likely that Devon County Council will require a number of individuals to fulfil the role of Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer.

As with all other roles, the level of resource dedicated to this post will depend upon the nature and extent of the disease situation. As mentioned above, if necessary authorities should consider the secondment of officers from other local authorities, particularly from areas of the country not so badly affected.

A general overview of the requirements to be fulfilled by the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer has been included within the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan, and therefore the information below must be viewed in conjunction with the generic plan.

The job description below aims to provide further details about the activities to be carried out by an Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officer that are unique to an outbreak of SVD.

The job specifications produced within the generic contingency plan for the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Manager and Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Office Based Support remain the same for all disease situations.

Key Responsibilities - Including Specific Swine Vesicular Disease Information 1. Enforcement of Animal Health and Welfare Legislation This specifically relates to the enforcement of The Swine Vesicular Disease Regulations 2009, though Devon County Council animal health and welfare enforcement officers must always remain cognisant of all animal health and welfare legislative responsibilities. 2. Enforcement of Movement Restrictions Local authorities are responsible for monitoring and enforcing the movement restrictions in The Swine Vesicular Disease Regulations 2009. These cover movement of live animals, animal products such as meat, fodder and dung. The animal health and welfare enforcement officer will be responsible for completing patrols, responding to intelligence and enforcing as appropriate.

The approach taken to the enforcement of movement restrictions will depend considerably upon the extent of the disease situation, the make up of the local farm population and the range of premises/businesses involved. Local authorities must work in partnership with the Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC) to review priorities and resource requirements. Animal Health (SVS) and the

local police force will be key partners in this area of work. 3. Contribution to Individual Movement Licensing if required. The Swine Vesicular Disease Regulations 2009 allows for movement licensing to take place for a range of specific requirements, and more general needs as the disease situation is controlled. The allocation of such licences must be based upon a veterinary decision, and therefore Animal Health (SVS) will take the lead in this work. However, dependent on the scale of the outbreak, it is likely that Devon County Council officers will be required to assist Animal Health (SVS) with issuing movement licences. In all situations Devon County Council enforcement officers should be proactively informed of individual and more general movement licences issued by Animal Health (SVS) for their area. This is essential for ensuring that enforcement activity is carried out effectively, and accurate local guidance issued. Devon County Council Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officers should remain aware that issuing a licence is always a veterinary decision. 4. Monitoring Cleansing and Disinfection Requirements Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the cleansing and disinfection requirements of The Swine Vesicular Disease Regulations 2009.

Cleansing and disinfection should be carried out in accordance with Schedule 3 and Article 8, and with regard to Schedule 2 of the Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection (England) (No. 3) Order 2003, and also with regard to any advice and information issued by Defra on biosecurity, cleansing and disinfection of livestock vehicles and approved disinfectants. This information is available on Defra website, links can be viewed in Section 8 of this Annexe. 5. Erection of Signs Local authorities have a duty, to erect signs at the boundaries of declared zones. Subject to certain conditions (including written consent from the Secretary of State), an inspector can place signs prohibiting the entry to land in a Protection Zone, including public footpaths and common land. LACORS has produced guidance on production and erection of signs and this is available on LACORS website. A link can be found within Section 8 of this Annexe. 6. Detention of Stray Animals An inspector may detain any stray or feral susceptible animal found in a Protection Zone, Surveillance Zone, Restricted Zone or Temporary Control Zone. Animal Health (SVS) personnel can then slaughter these animals under the Animal Health Act (Paragraph 3, Schedule 3). It will be important to liaise at a local level with Animal Health (SVS) to agree an approach on detention and

slaughter of stray animals. 7. Tracing Of Animal Products Local authorities may be required to assist Animal Health (SVS) in the tracing of meat and other animal products from animals originating on infected premises (Article 21).

Guidance on this from Defra is pending and will appear on LACORS website.

8. Dissemination of Guidance and Information Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Officers will need to ensure that accurate guidance and information is provided to members of the community, including provision of leaflets or letters during all intelligence and enforcement work. Section 7 of this Annexe provides some further information on producing advice leaflets/letters. However, it is important to maintain an awareness of the ongoing situation and advice issued, by using the Defra and LACORS websites. Key Responsibilities – Ongoing General Requirements 9. Provide representation at the LDCC and other working groups as required. 10. Nominate an individual with responsibility for routinely checking LACORS and Defra website for updated information. 11. Complete any further reasonable ad hoc activity that may be requested by either the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Manager or Animal Health (SVS). 12. Escalate any risk or issues to the Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Manager. Please note this includes Health and Safety concerns.

6.2 Other Devon County Council Services – Swine Vesicular Disease

There is a range of key Devon County Council services that play an essential role in the event of a notifiable animal disease outbreak.

The DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan includes an overview of each key Devon County Council function throughout a disease outbreak, including animal health and welfare enforcement, highways and footpaths, communications and emergency planning. The outline for each function also includes job specifications that must be performed to achieve the overall requirements in that area.

The main role played by each of these areas remains the same for each notifiable disease, and therefore local authorities should utilise the generic plan for this information.

Specifically in terms of an SVD outbreak, Devon County Council may wish to establish a hotline dedicated to footpath and rights of way issues. This could help ensure high levels of compliance with any footpath or common land closures. Authorities should consider that prior written consent is required from the Secretary of State in order to prohibit entry onto land. The impact on the countryside and local economy should also be carefully considered when proposing footpath or common land closures.

All Devon County Council representatives and key services must remain aware that a major concern will be the impact of the disease on the local community in terms of access to the countryside and tourism. Liaison between all services is therefore vitally important to ensure that the approach to disease management is joined up, considers the need of the local community and aims to maintain access to the countryside and promote tourism and local businesses.

Communication with local residents is therefore also of paramount importance. Emergency Planning and Communications services must remain aware that accurate and timely communication with local residents will be a key function.

All Devon County Council key functions should also ensure that they access central information regularly to ensure that they are aware of the current situation and policy decisions.

7. Useful Information and Advice

7.1 Advice on Writing Public Information and Advice Leaflets/Letters

Due to the flexibility that the Secretary of State has to introduce control zones and different measures within these zones, it is difficult to centrally produce template advice leaflets/letters. Local authorities will also wish to tailor the advice and information to reflect priorities in their own local area. However, this section contains advice on the type of information that could be included within advice leaflets or letters. The content of such leaflets or letters must be agreed locally with Animal Health (SVS).

When drafting information or advice, particular regard should be paid to the contents of the Declaratory Order.

Information and advice leaflets could include:  Information on the declared zones, including a link to Defra website showing the extent of the zones.  Clinical signs of SVD. If there is a particular type of animal predominately farmed in the area then this information could be restricted to that animal.  Advice on contacting DVM if suspect livestock are affected.  Movement restrictions. This should include a link to information and General Licences on Defra website. It might be possible to include a list of General Licences available, however it will not be possible to provide information on all types of movement restrictions.  Cleansing and disinfection/biosecurity requirements  Practical advice on biosecurity.  Requirements to keep records  Importance of preventing animals from straying and of keeping poultry and dogs under control.  Controls on animal gatherings and gatherings of people.  Contact details for Devon County Council, including specifically Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Team, Local Animal Health Divisional Office (SVS).  Details of Devon County Council and Defra websites.  List of frequently asked questions, see below.

7.2 Frequently Asked Questions

Information largely from Defra website.

The nature of the disease

What is it?

Swine vesicular disease (SVD) is an acute, contagious viral disease of swine cause by an enterovirus. It is characterized by fever and vesicles with subsequent ulcers in the mouth and on the snout, feet, and teats. The pathogen is relatively resistant to heat, and can persist for a long time in salted, dried, and smoked meat products.

How is it spread?

The disease can be introduced into a herd by feeding garbage containing infected meat scraps (although prohibited under the Animal By – Products Regulations 2005), by bringing in infected animals, or by direct contact with infected feces (such as in an improperly cleaned truck). After the initial infection, the disease spreads through contact of susceptible pigs with infected pigs and infected feces.

The disease is spread mechanically by the movement of animals, persons, vehicles and other things which have been contaminated by the virus. Trucks, lorries, market places, and loading ramps – in or over which infected animals have travelled – are dangerous until disinfected. Roads may also become contaminated and virus may be picked up and carried on the wheels of passing vehicles.

The boots, clothing and hands of a stockman who has attended diseased animals can spread the disease.

Which countries have recently had SVD?

SVD has persisted in Italy, where it is now considered endemic. The rest of Europe is free from the disease apart from one case in Portugal reported in June 2007.

Can people contract the disease?

Laboratory workers should use caution as human infection has been reported in laboratory staff working with the virus.

Which animals are susceptible to SVD?

Pigs are the only natural host. Baby mice can be experimentally infected.

What are the signs?

Clinical signs are very similar to those of foot–and–mouth disease (FMD) and other vesicular diseases. They are: • Fever • Vesicles in the mouth and on the snout and feet • Lameness and an unsteady gait, shivering and jerking–type leg movements

• Ruptured vesicles can cause ulcers on limbs and feet, and foot pads may be loosened Young animals are more severely affected. More information can be found on the website http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/svd/index.htm

What kinds of virus are there?

Swine vesicular disease virus is in the enterovirus group of picornaviruses and is closely related to the human enterovirus Coxsackie B-5 and unrelated to known porcine enteroviruses. Some researchers believe this is a case where a human pathogen transferred to pigs through the eating of human feces. The virion is a roughly spherical 28 mm single-stranded RNA virus. This pathogen is resistant over a wide pH range (2.5-12), relatively resistant to heat (inactivated at 157o F [69o C]), and persists for a long time (up to 2 years) in salted, dried, and smoked meat products.

Can SVD be cured?

There is no cure. It usually runs its course in 2 or 3 weeks after which the great majority of animals recover naturally. Slaughter remains the basic control policy because widespread disease throughout the country would cause significant welfare problems and be economically disastrous due to the effects already noted above.

Disease control measures

How is the disease controlled?

The basic disease control policy is the slaughter of all susceptible animals on premises infected with SVD and dangerous contacts. This is in keeping with EU legislation and OIE guidelines. Movement restrictions are also put in place to help contain the disease.

There is no vaccine for SVD. Prevention measures are similar to those for FMD: controlling animals imported from infected areas, and sanitary disposal of garbage from international aircraft and ships. Infected animals should be placed in strict quarantine. Eradication measures for the disease include quarantining infected areas, depopulation and disposal of infected and contact pigs, and cleaning and disinfecting contaminated premises.

What happens when a suspect animal is found?

The owner of a suspected animal or carcase must by law report the fact to the Defra Divisional Veterinary Manager. The owner is not expected to diagnose the disease, but he ought to know enough about the disease to suspect it. All owners and stockmen should make themselves familiar with

DCC Contingency Plan Annexe F - Swine Vesicular Disease – 06/2010 25 the symptoms, and call in a veterinary surgeon as early as possible; they should never ask another stock-owner to look at the suspected animal.

Restrictions are imposed on the premises from the time of notification prohibiting any animal, person or thing entering or leaving the premises without permission, and a Defra Veterinary Officer (VO) makes an investigation. If signs suggest SVD is present, the VO, after consulting Defra HQ, will sign a notice which prohibits the movement of animals within a radius of 8km of the premises concerned and arrange for sample material from the affected animal(s) to be sent to the Institute of Animal Health, by the quickest possible means, for testing. The Chief Veterinary Officer will confirm the outbreak if the laboratory results confirm the presence of SVD.

What happens if disease is confirmed?

On confirmation of the disease a Protection Zone will be imposed with a minimum radius of 3km around the Infected Premises and a Surveillance Zone with a minimum radius of 10km. Notices are posted at all entrances to the premises and the movement of people on and off the farm is controlled. An approved disinfectant must be used to disinfect footwear, clothing and vehicles before entering or leaving the premises. As soon as possible after confirmation of disease the infected animals are valued and slaughtered. Other susceptible animals are then valued and they too are slaughtered without delay.

What are dangerous contacts?

Dangerous contacts are animals which have been exposed directly or indirectly to the risk of infection, either by movements of vehicles, people or animals, or by their proximity to a confirmed case.

How are carcases disposed of?

Carcases may be disposed of by commercial incineration, rendering or licensed commercial landfill. Mass fires will not be used in the future but the use of alternative methods of disposal routes such as on-farm fires and on- farm or mass burial cannot be completely ruled out if demand exceeds the capacity of the preferred options of incineration/rendering and licensed commercial landfill.

What measures are taken to prevent the further spread of disease?

After completion of carcase disposal a thorough preliminary disinfection of the premises is carried out. The infected place restrictions are maintained prohibiting unauthorised movement on to or off the premises. At an early stage the destruction of vermin on the infected place is arranged to prevent these creatures mechanically carrying infection to other premises in the vicinity. Further cleansing and disinfection are also required.

What are Controlled Areas?

Controlled Area Restrictions are normally applied to restrict movement of animals outside the Protection/Surveillance Zones where there has been, or is likely to be, a risk of widespread dissemination of the disease; for instance, if an infected animal is found to have passed through a market.

7.3 Vehicle Check Sheet

The following check sheet can be used when vehicles have been stopped to check compliance with movement restrictions and cleanliness.

DCC Contingency Plan Annexe F - Swine Vesicular Disease – 06/2010

Vehicle Check Sheet 27 Livestock Movement Restrictions

Animal Health Act 1981 The Disease Control (England) Order 2003

Vehicle Registration Date Time

Where stopped

Vehicle type (e.g. artic, Landrover & trailer etc.)

Animal type & numbers being transported

Owner of Vehicle Name

Address (inc. holding number if known)

Driver’s details (if different)

Address

Owner of animals (if different)

Address (inc. holding number if known)

Where animals collected (if different) (inc. holding number if known)

Where animals being taken to (inc. holding number if known)

Yes No Comments

Vehicle Clean?

Wheels/tyres/wheel arches

Driver’s footwell

Driver’s clothing/footwear

Officer name & number

Address

Signature Phone number

N.B. Please complete a separate report form if you find a vehicle transporting animals belonging to more than one owner.

8. Additional Information Sources

There is a range of information available to local authorities, the farming community and the general public in relation to FMD.

It is essential that local authorities maintain an awareness of the information issued by central government at all times, but particularly during a disease situation. LACORS will also maintain up to date information specifically for local authorities.

LACORS Information

LACORS guidance for local authorities on road and access signs in a disease situation. http://www.lacors.gov.uk/lacors/ViewDocument.aspx?docID=15694&docType=C

LACORS Guidance on secondment of Officers to support other local authorities, including information on authorisations http://www.lacors.gov.uk/lacors/ViewDocument.aspx?docID=14916&docType=C

Other Specific Information

Defra - SVD General http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/svd/index.htm

Defra – General Biosecurity http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/biosecurity/index.ht m

Defra – Cleansing and Disinfection of Livestock Vehicles http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/biosecurity/cleansin g.htm

Defra – Guidance on Cleansing and Disinfection of Animal Transport http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/biosecurity/candd.ht m

Defra – Approved Disinfectants http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/control/disinfectants .htm

DCC Contingency Plan Annexe F - Swine Vesicular Disease – 06/2010