KIRKLEES farmers were urged today to be vigilant when moving their animals following a further foot and mouth outbreak in southern England.
Clr Martyn Bolt, Kirklees Cabinet member for the environment, said while Kirklees was a low risk area it was essential farmers follow stringent regulations issued by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on the movement of livestock.
Clr Bolt said: “While Kirklees is a low risk area with regard to foot and mouth there is no room for complacency.”
In addition to the conditions of Defra’s movement licence, farmers must follow this advice:
No area is “zero risk”. The risks of disease outbreaks in the “low risk” area are low, but not zero.
Livestock keepers must be vigilant for signs of disease, no matter where in the country they are. It is recommended that stock are checked at least twice a day.
Any signs of disease must be immediately reported to the local Animal Health Office on: 08459 33 55 77.
Clr Bolt said: “Livestock keepers have a vital frontline role in detecting disease and in helping control and eradicate it. Farmers must take full responsibility for ensuring stringent biosecurity and compliance with movement restrictions.
“If they are moving livestock under a movement licence, they must comply with all the requirements. The ability to move livestock in the “low risk area” is dependent on all farmers adhering to the requirements of a licence.
“Certain types of movements are still not allowed because they may still pose a risk. Farmers should continue to observe these movement restrictions, and not take chances.
“They must minimise the number of visitors and ensure they clean and disinfect on and off premises.”
If in any doubt farmers should contact the local authority, Animal Health, NFU or the Defra Helpline for advice 08459 33 55 77. There’s more advice on www.defra.gov.uk
