 Countryside Matters! |
Farming Matters |
Farming Matters! |
Bluetongue and Foot and Mouth - 2007 |
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The facts are that a case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was first confirmed on a small farm near Guilford in Surrey at the begining of August and Bluetongue in Suffolk at the begining of September. The latest notices are available on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/index.htm , and at www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth/ 21st September - A sixth case of foot and mouth has now been confirmed close to the other infected farms. Restrictions on animal movements, apart from direct to slaughter, are causing welfare problems, particularly for hill farmers who would be sending stock to lowland areas for the winter. Also affected are breeding stock with knock-on results for next years' crop of lambs. Cash flow problems and feed costs will also be having a huge impact on the viability of many farms. The Farming Help charities are anticipating an increase in calls for help as a result of the present crisis. 23rd August - Most movement bans to be lifted at midnight on 23rd and exports to resume on Saturday 25th August
The latest situation on investigations into the source of the FMD outbreak is posted on the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth/latest-situation/investigating.htm
16th August - Foot and mouth disease control zones have been lifted at the suspect cases in Kent and Surrey. 11th August - The initial test results for the site near Dorking proved negative and this result has now been confirmed.
10th August -
A 3km radius Temporary Control Zone has been put around one holding in Surrey, near Dorking, outside of the existing Surveillance Zone. This precautionary measure follows an inconclusive assessment of clinical symptoms in 65 calves by Animal Health veterinary staff. Within the Temporary Control Zone, general licences for stock movement to slaughter and for the collection of dead animals from farms do not apply. Test results are being awaited before a decision is taken to cull livestock.
The existing Protection and Surveillance Zones have been slightly extended. This follows positive test results received on Thursday from clinically healthy animals culled on Tuesday 7th August. The cattle were culled as part of the second infected premises and were kept on an additional site of the farm, within the existing Protection Zone. On Thursday 9 August, 362 cows, sheep, pigs and goats were slaughtered on a third farm on suspicion of having foot and mouth as a result of a dangerous contact with the second outbreak site. Test results are yet to be announced today. In total 576 animals have been culled to date. Restrictions on international trade remain in place, but there are likely to be some relaxations in this shortly for meat and dairy products that have been subject to treatment that will destroy the foot and mouth virus. Strict regulations will be enforced and appropriate certification required which can only be obtained via Animal Health Divisional Offices. For more information see www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/int-trde/cins/2007/07215.htm TopUpdate on Devon situation There continue to be no cases of Foot and Mouth in Devon. Key messages are vigilance, maintain excellent biosecurity, Devon countryside is open and welcomes visitors. Devon County Council's Trading Standards Service helps to lead Devon's front-line to prevent and combat the spread of disease in animals. As part of the County Council's response to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth in Surrey, an online service is available providing a round up of County Council news and information, links to DEFRA for the national picture, and advice line contact details for the farming community. The online service also looks back to 2001 and the lessons learned in Devon. The official report of the Devon Foot and Mouth Inquiry makes fascinating reading and many of its findings were implemented by the Government in its reform of the national contingency plan. http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/environment/footandmouth.htm Devon County Council's Rights of Way team is hosting an exhibition/roadshow today at Exeter's Moto Services at Sandygate informing people that the Devon countryside is open for business as usual. Update on national situation The restrictions on the movement of live animals direct to slaughter and the collection of dead animals from farms were lifted at 00.01 this morning, with permission under general licence anywhere in Great Britain outside of the 3km radius Protection Zone and 10km surveillance zone around the infected premises in Surrey.
Natural England and the Local Government Association have issued a joint statement on public access
to land during the current FMD situation. This is available at:
DEFRA has produced a series of factsheets on Foot and Mouth Disease, covering how to spot the
disease, advice on bio security and what happens when FMD is suspected or confirmed. The factsheets
have been produced in conjunction with the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly, British Pig
Association, National Pig Association, National Sheep Association, National Beef Association and
National Farmers Union. They are available at:
Movements to slaughter and fallen stock for disposal
LACORS and ACPO Vehicle Check Guidance
RSPCA Farm Animal Welfare Hotline
General information 8 August - A key finding from the HSE report published yesterday evening (7th August) has said there is a strong possibility that the FMDV strain involved in the farm outbreak originated from the Animal Health Institute or the Merial sites. The report has said it was unlikely the spread was airborne, although water-borne remained a possibility. It added that release by human movement must also be considered a real possibility. Further investigation is required and is being urgently pursued. Health and Safety Executive initial report;- http://www.hse.gov.uk/news/archive/07aug/pirbright.htm Statement from Hilary Benn in response to HSE initial report and up to date news from Defra can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/default.htm See http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/qanda/index.htm for a very useful set of questions and answers relating to FMD. The Arthur Rank Centre is working with the Farming Help Charities to ensure that appropriate support and resources are available as and when they become necessary. Any farmer concerned should call Farming Help on 07002 326 326. See the Arthur Rank Centre for regular updates on this and related issues Top3 August - A Declaration of a Protection Zone, Surveillance Zone, and Restricted Zone, following the confirmation of foot and mouth disease on a farm in Surrey. In addition to the Protection and Surveillance Zones, the Restricted Zone implements a ban on the movement of susceptible animals (among other measures) and covers the whole of England (similar measures are in force in Scotland and Wales). If you are a farmer or live in a rural area the following 'Fact Sheets' may be useful. http://www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth/pdf/factsheet1.pdf http://www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth/pdf/factsheet2.pdf http://www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth/pdf/factsheet3.pdf If you are on holiday in the countryside it would be of enormous help if you could be sympathetic to your local farmers fears and concerns. If you are out walking and are asked to make a detour or not use footpaths, please do as you are asked. Wear sensible boots or even wellingtons and use disinfectant foot dips where provided. (Very messy if you are wearing sandals!!). Please do not avoid the countryside - we need you! But please do use common sense! TWB August 2007 | Foot and Mouth Archive 2001 |