In the wake of the announcement of a new outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), many may require information and guidance.

The first thing is that it is cloven-hoofed animals that are susceptible to this disease, including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer. Any farmers or others who have these species under their care should do their best to prevent spread to their animals by setting up bio-security zones around the premises, disallowing access of unauthorised people or vehicles into contact with the animals. Disinfectant pads/baths may also be a useful measure (using a recommended disinfectant). Keeping animals away from footpaths and rights of way is an obvious precaution. Limiting travel to or from premises where such species are kept is also advisable. For the time being, it is wisest not to attend animal parks, zoos, rescue centres etc., where such species are kept.

Keep a regular and close inspection schedule, to check for signs of the disease. At present, we have no information on how far the virus may already have spread, so we must all be vigilant.

Signs of the disease in cattle are: slobbering and smacking lips, shivering, sore feet, reduced milk yield, blisters on feet and possibly inside mouth and raised temperature. Affected sheep are less easy to spot.

DEFRA has a comprehensive information sheet at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth/about/clinical.htm.

The Soil Association was very pro-active in 2001. Their website is: www.soilassociation.org.

Of course, it's early days yet, but DEFRA really appears to have got its act together this time, under Chief Veterinary Officer Debby Reynolds's steerage. The old Jim Scudamore days appear to be a thing of the past. However, DEFRA has yet to be proven 'under fire'. Let's hope they are not tested too hard by this outbreak and that there will not be another animal welfare catastrophe, as we had in 2001.

Contact details for DEFRA:

Helpline telephone: 08459 33 55 77

Helpline e-mail: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR

If you wish to speak to a named member of DEFRA, ring: 0207 238 6000 (switchboard).