A nationwide vaccination programme should not be implemented to prevent another foot and mouth epidemic, a government-commissioned report has concluded.

However, the inquiry by the Royal Society advocated the use of vaccines to prevent an outbreak spreading, and greater liaison with European governments to reduce the risk of the disease entering the country.

Forum Response: Country Land and Business Association

A spokesman for the CLA told ePolitix.com: "The CLA led the way in gaining acceptance for vaccination by hosting a series of seminars on the subject last summer.

"We fully support the combination of vaccination and culling as a means to deal with any future outbreak."

Forum Response: Royal Agricultural Society

Richard Sanders, communications director at the Royal Agricultural Society, told ePolitix.com: "The Royal Society is the pre-eminent scientific body in the land. Therefore their deliberations and conclusions must be respected."

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

Richard Burge, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, told ePolitix.com: "We have never pretended to be scientific experts, and are keen that government listens to the scientific fraternity on the subject of vaccinations for foot and mouth.

"All we do know is that a policy in case of further outbreak must be put in place to avert the catastrophe of the last outbreak. Government policy must ensure that animal welfare, rural livelihoods and public safety are paramount, and we will welcome any policy which encompasses all of these vital components".