Foot and Mouth Diary 2001-2007
2001: February/March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | 2002: January | 2007
August 2007
The comments made on this page are not the political line or official opinions of any body or organisation. I am publishing what I have seen and what has happened to my neighbours, what has been felt and what has been said. It is in the plainest sense a diary -- personal, even possibly inaccurate, but just one person's record of our hopes, fears, frustrations and confusion amid major tragedies and minor triumphs.
Breakfast news: FMD found in Surrey. Please let's not have another year like 2001. The weather has been bad enough to cause agricultural show cancellations already, and Cockermouth's Show has now cancelled due to FMD risks. Will we see vaccination this time around instead of killing (let's not hide it under the term "culling" any more)?
Mail received from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, 15:30 4 August 2007
"The FMD outbreak in Surrey, which occurred on Thursday evening, has now been confirmed officially and the movement of livestock is prohibited throughout UK.
"Information can be found on the DEFRA website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2007/animal-0803.htm
"Following the outbreak of FMD in 2001, RBST secured the possibility of exemption from slaughter on contiguous holdings with 'rare breeds', and a Breeds at Risk Register has been compiled to identify holdings which qualify.
"It is essential that you apply for inclusion on this Register if you have not already done so. Application is straightforward and in your own interest and that of your animals.
"Go to the RBST website www.rbst.org.uk and follow the links...
"Meanwhile, observe prudent biosecurity measures, by minimising access and maximising cleanliness. Keep in contact with the Defra and RBST websites. RBST staff and senior Trustees will be standing by to take action and help members."
BBC's slaughterman article
3 September 2007
I am delighted to read that controls were lifted on 30th August so that animals, with a few restrictions, can be moved to auction and to shows once more. Some local shows have doggedly gone ahead with only horse classes. Now Westmorland County Show plans to hold classes for all livestock (http://www.westmorland-county-show.co.uk/). Good luck to those who make the journey! I won't be there though - I shall be havin' me leg surgerificated at Westmorland General Horse-pital at the other end of town!