Defra ' s far - reaching plan for dealing with exotic diseases such as bluetongue , FMD and rabies was presented to MPs yesterday.

This Exotic Animal Disease Generic Contingency Plan is produced by the Animal Health Agency and is amended annually.

For the first time bird flu , rabies and bluetongue have been included in the plan.

The Animal Health and Welfare Minister , Mr Jeff Rooker gave his reaction to the plan , " It is important to learn lessons from our response to every disease outbreak and our experiences this year have made an important contribution to the revised plan. "

The Exotic Animal Disease Generic Contingency Plan is subject to ongoing revision based on the latest scientific advice , developments in policy and comments from stakeholders.

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