Foot and Mouth Disease
Following extensive surveillance work and there having been no further cases of FMD discovered, from 31 December 2007 all remaining movement restrictions relating to FMD-susceptible animals and trade within the EU were lifted.
Further Information for Livestock Keepers
Animal Health, an executive agency of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has launched a recorded information line for the farming community to use in disease outbreaks. The information line allows farmers, livestock keepers, vets and other stakeholders to stay up-to-date with important news and information, initially about Foot and Mouth Disease and Bluetongue, from the end of a phone.
This new communication channel allows those without regular access to the internet to listen to the latest news by simply dialling 0844 884 4600 instead. The information line will be updated regularly. Calling in costs 5p a minute (4.2p plus VAT). The Information line does not replace any functions of the Defra helpline (08459 335577) which is open from 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat-Sun for calls relating to Foot and Mouth Disease and bluetongue.
Livestock keepers must be vigilant for signs of disease, no matter where in the country they are.
Any signs of disease must be reported to the local Defra Animal Health Office without any delay.
Livestock Keepers have a vital frontline role in detecting disease and in helping control and eradicate it. Everybody must take full responsibility for ensuring stringent bio-security and compliance with movement restrictions.
If certain types of movements are still not allowed, it is because they may still pose a risk. Please continue to observe these movement restrictions. Do not take chances.
Do not place the wider farming industry at risk - we all have a common interest in getting farming back to business as usual as soon as possible.
Ask others to observe bio-security and follow the rules. Minimise the number of visitors on your farm and ensure they clean and disinfect on and off your premises. Protect your livestock and your business.
If you are in any doubt, ask your Warwickshire Trading Standards, Defra Animal Health, NFU or the Defra Helpline for advice.