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Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) in the UK in 2001 exposed the complex nature of the structure in the domestic fat lamb supply chain. This supply chain comprises a large number of physical and information transactions between members and the underlying complexity is exacerbated by the limited use of traceability mechanisms. This paper provides a detailed overview of the structure and relationships in the UK fat lamb supply chain pre and post FMD 2001. The fat lamb transportation methods used by supply chain members based in the north-east of England are analysed to determine the members' opinions about optimum transportation practices in relation to cost efficiency, management of animal welfare and consumer safety. These three variables are also used to determine the supply chain members' opinions concerning the optimum location of auctions and abattoirs. The findings reveal, inter alia, the supply chain's changing structure and relationship dynamics during and post FMD 2001 and the need for improved integration between farmers, live auctions and abattoirs.
Bourlakis et al. (Mon,) studied this question.