Britain came within hours of vaccinating cattle in 2001 after it was recommended by vets to protect animals in Cumbria and Devon. But farm leaders were sceptical and the food industry lobbied strongly for it not to be used because it was concerned it would affect export markets and put off consumers.
“The huge disincentive against vaccinating is that under trade rules any vaccinated animals have to go into a separate supply chain. This is costly and puts business off,” said Lawrence Woodward, director of the Elm Farm organic research centre.
