Page 254 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
remained under pressure until the end of 2001. By the time the disease was halted in October 2001 the crisis was estimated to have cost the United Kingdom £8bn.18 Over six million cows and sheep were killed in an, eventually successful, attempt to stop the spread. Cumbria was the worst affected area of the country, with eight hundred and ninety-three farms being affected.
Professionally and efficiently the Army, with RAVC support, helped to bring FMD under control.
The RAVC at the time played its part despite a considerable over-stretch of Corps manpower resources resulting from continued Operations in the Balkans.
However, the support provided to MAFF and then DEFRA by the Corps ensured that the standard of care provided for the animals going through the slaughter process remained a priority throughout the crisis, alongside a high-level
of consideration and empathy for the farmers and the wider rural communities affected. The RAVC’s contribution to Op PENNYWORT, Op PENINSULA and Op SLUBBER during the 2001 epidemic set standards for the future – should the horror of FMD make a return.
In 2021, as this chapter is put to bed, there are fewer local slaughterhouses and livestock markets than previously, a situation that presents a level of interest and, ultimately, concern. As cattle and pigs are now transported further across the country, what impact could this have on any future disease? It is to be hoped that the imposition of animal passports for livestock may have some bearing on the tracing infected animals in the future.
So many lessons learned from a past rural crisis with FMD, and the human cost of the Covid 19 Pandemic that began in 2020. The haunting thought remains – will those lessons be enough?
Animals under observation sign 2001.
18 Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain.
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