The government has announced that vaccination would play a major part in treating any future outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease.
A DEFRA report says vaccination would be used in conjunction with the slaughter of livestock.
However, the current policy of identifying and slaughtering all infected animals would be still be the first means of action.
The North East and Cumbria were worst affected by the disease in 2001.
Animal health and welfare minister Ben Bradshaw said: "The role that vaccination could play in a future outbreak is a crucial area to be tested.
"Vaccination can be an important part of the armoury and a great deal of work has been done to turn it into a practical possibility."
Vaccination was suggested three years ago when the outbreak was at its peak, however the government decided against it after the food industry argued it would make their meat too difficult to sell.