Peers back vaccination policy before slaughter

Peers defeated the Government yesterday over its response to foot-and-mouth and other farm diseases, backing an amendment to the Animal Health Bill that gives vaccination priority over slaughter in dealing with epidemics.

Peers voted by 171 to 123 for the amendment, moved by cross-bencher the Countess of Mar, a Worcestershire farmer, during the Bill's report stage, for the Environment Secretary to "give priority to a 'vaccinate to live' policy" prior to slaughtering animals where no infection has been detected.

Ministers are likely to attempt to overturn the defeat next month, saying legislation already allows vaccination to be used instead of slaughter.