News Farmers on alert after new break out of Foot and Mouth
Livestock farmers in the Goole and Selby area are being urged not to drop their guard following the news that there has been a confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in Surrey.
Although the region has not been directly affected by the recent outbreak, a nationwide ban of livestock and carcass movement came into force at 10pm last Friday, August 3 and as a result, Selby livestock auction has been closed as part of the precautionary measures.
A spokesperson from Assured British Meat (ABM) told this newspaper: "All livestock markets in the country were suspended as of Friday night, and this will be in place until we know how serious the outbreak is."
Howden butcher Philip Parkin said that Parkin Butchers uses locally sourced farms for the business's produce, as opposed to livestock markets, so the butcher is not yet short of quality stock.
He said: "The produce we use is sourced within a ten-mile radius, so we have a very small circle to worry about.
"The ban on livestock movement could affect local businesses if it continues but common sense should prevail, and there should be no further infection."
Although there are currently no confirmed cases in the East Riding, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) is working closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the farming industry to ensure awareness of the national livestock and carcass movement ban.
The Council is ready to offer advice to people and business, issue movement licences when permitted and enforce any contraventions of the restrictions, taking a zero tolerance approach to the illegal movement of livestock.
"We are continuing to monitor closely the national situation for changes to the restrictions and are awaiting notification from DEFRA for when livestock movements will be permitted," said Simon Goodwin, senior animal health officer.
"We are asking all livestock keepers to be extra vigilant for signs of disease when checking their stock. Additionally, we are asking livestock keepers to adopt high standards of bio-security, for example ensuring high standards of cleanliness of people and vehicles entering and leaving the premises, using disinfectants approved for use against foot and mouth disease in footbaths and so on, and avoiding unnecessary contact by other livestock keepers with your stock."
Selby livestock auction and market which runs every other Saturday and on a Wednesday, has been cancelled by DEFRA until further notice.
County Councillor Helen Swiers, executive member for trading standards, said: "We would like to thank the farming community for their positive approach to date to the recently implemented Foot and Mouth disease controls."
A helpline has been set up for farmers wishing to obtain advice. The number is 0845 330 1221, with opening hours from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Published on 9th August 2007 in News.
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