The European Union could lose vast export markets such as America if an outbreak of foot-and-mouth livestock disease spreads from Britain, the world animal health agency chief said in an interview published today.
If the virus spread to the continent, the entire European Union would risk losing its status as free of foot-and-mouth disease,Bernard Vallat, Director-General of the International Epizootic Office (OIE), toldFrench business daily
Les Echos.
p>The reemergence of the disease in Britain for the first time in 20 years presents a potential threat to European exports, the head of the Paris-based organisation said.
The veterinary health accord between the 15 EU members and the United States, which covers what to do in such a stiuation, has still not been signed, he said.
This meant that Washington does not officially recognise the Europeans' ability to contain foot-and-month to just one (EU) member country .
The EU was declared free of foot-and-mouth disease in 1996 by the OIE.