The Regulation of Animal Health and Welfare: Science, Law and Policy

The Regulation of Animal Health and Welfare draws on the research of scientists, lawyers, economists and political scientists to address the current and future regulatory problems posed by the issues of animal health and disease. Recent events such as the outbreak of mad cow disease, epidemics of foot and mouth disease, concerns about bluetongue in sheep, and the entry into the food chain of the offspring of cloned cattle, have heightened awareness of the issues of regulation in animal disease and welfare. This book critically appraises the existing regulatory institutions and guiding principles of how best to maintain animal health in the context of social change and a developing global economy. Addressing considerations of sound science, the role of risk management, and the allocation of responsibilities, it also takes up the theoretical and practical challenges which here – and elsewhere – attend the co-operation of scientists, social scientists, lawyers and policy makers. Indeed, the collaboration of scientists and social scientists in determined and regulatory contexts such as that of animal disease is an issue of ever-increasing importance. This book will be of considerable value to those with interests in this issue, as well as those concerned with the law and policy relating to animal health and welfare.

John McEldowney is professor of law at the School of Law at the University of Warwick. His research interests in the field of public law include regulation and accountability. He has written extensively in the field of public law and was one of the investigators on the Governance of Livestock Diseases (GOLD) project.

Wyn Grant is part-time professor of politics at the University of Warwick. He has written extensively on comparative public policy in advanced industrial countries with special reference to agricultural policy and environmental policy.Wyn has over 40 years experience of University Teaching and research.

Graham Medley is professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Warwick, and was the principal investigator of the Governance of Livestock Disease (GOLD) project that led to this book. He has published extensively on a diverse range of infectious diseases of humans and livestock.