[Livestock producer participation in the control of epizootics in developed countries: the experience of France]. / La participation des éleveurs au contrôle des épizooties dans les pays développés: l'exemple de la France.

Based on the French experience of animal health defence groups (groupements de défense sanitaire), the author highlights the importance, for both Veterinary Services and livestock producers, of livestock producer health organisations acting as partners of the Veterinary Services to complement the actions of private veterinarians. Charged with the task of providing livestock producers with information and raising awareness of the health regulations, these organisations offer key support to Veterinary Services in carrying out regulatory prophylactic measures, monitoring their execution, supplementing public compensation measures, and even being delegated to manage all or part of such prophylactic measures. By designing and implementing plans, with the support of private veterinarians, to combat or control epizootics which have an economic or trade impact, and by participating in or carrying out animal identification and offering health and environmental services, these organisations help to improve herd health and support the livestock producing industry. Growing demand, from both European Union applicant members and countries to the south, shows that although the French experience is not transposable, it can serve as a useful example.

Managing compensation for economic losses in areas surrounding foot and mouth disease outbreaks: the response of France.

This article describes the French scheme for providing compensation to stock farmers located in the prevention and surveillance zones in the vicinity of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak sites and for economic losses suffered as a result of restrictions on animal and animal product movement. As early as 1991, the Groupements de Defense Sanitaire (GDS: Animal Health Groups--associations of stock farmers dealing with health issues, recognised under French law) set up a Compensation Fund that was put to use during the FMD episode of 2001. The Fund paid out FRF6,488,000 (Euro989,000) to stockbreeders in the five affected departments (French local administrative divisions). Based on the principle of a national mutual benefit society, the Compensation Fund is the first instance of a system of private compensation, outside of conventional insurance schemes, based on a convention between French stock farmers. With decentralised management and speed of implementation, the Compensation Fund has proved its worth. The Fund now needs to be adjusted on the basis of changes introduced in FMD control policy in France and possibly the European Union.