Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 19
The consequences of another widespread outbreak of a zoonotic disease of similar lethality would be...
Conclusion
The consequences of another widespread outbreak of a zoonotic disease of similar lethality would be catastrophic. Covid-19 must therefore be treated as a wake-up call. The factors which appear to be increasing the incidence of such diseases must be thoroughly investigated and urgent action taken to mitigate the risks.
Paragraph Reference:
19
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government is firmly committed to preventing, monitoring and tackling future disease threats. In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020, the Prime Minister affirmed this commitment by announcing a Five Point Plan to tackle emerging zoonotic threats and prevent future pandemics. To mitigate future risks we will continue to leverage existing global networks, national partnerships and UK science expertise to identify zoonotic hotpots, wildlife/livestock/ human interface and support responsible investment in livestock farming in a way that minimises the risks of zoonotic spill-overs. We are proposing a UK centre for zoonotic disease research to improve our capability and capacity for short, medium and long-term research into the factors driving disease spill-over. We will also continue to run our substantial UK monitoring and surveillance programmes, such as for bovine TB, avian influenza, salmonella, AMR and brucellosis, working closely with the Food Standards Agency on detecting food borne pathogens and with local Health Protection Teams and Environmental Health Officers to control any outbreaks of zoonotic disease associated with livestock farming, consumption of products of animal origin or exposure to wildlife and livestock. Finally, we will use our presidency of the G7 and COP26, and our presence at the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), this year to drive further activity across pandemic preparedness, animal health, halting and reversing climate change and global biodiversity loss, and the adoption of a ‘One Health’ approach. We will seek to establish a Global One Health Intelligence Hub, providing countries and organisations with a single source of intelligence on human, animal and environmental risks, as well as a community of experts in zoonotic disease. As hosts of these hugely significant multilateral events, the UK will lead by example to ensure that we apply the lessons of COVID-19 and build health resilience at home and at an international level.