Concerns over new outbreaks
25 March 2001
Concerns over new outbreaks
By Alistair Driver
FEARS have grown that the worst of the foot-and mouth crisis is yet to come after new outbreaks emerged in three areas previously considered relatively clean.
There are concerns over outbreaks in Northwich, in Cheshire, Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway, and Broughton in Furness in Cumbria.
Officials are also worried about a suspected outbreak in East Lothian. All farms are located some distance from previous outbreaks.
“We are carrying out investigations to establish why this has occurred,” said deputy chief vet Martin Atkinson
The Lake District has so far remained relatively clear of the disease.
But the outbreak in Broughton in Furness has sparked fears it may now be too late to prevent the spread of infection among sheep grazing there
Junior Agriculture minister Baroness Hayman said the Government has agreed to try and implement a proposal from Cumbrian farmers for a voluntary cull to protect the Lake District.
The aim would be to create a cordon sanitaire between the centre of infectivity in north Cumbria and the Lakes in the south of the county.
She confirmed that the Government is stepping up its cull of dangerous contacts by killing animals on farms next to infected holdings nationwide.
But she said proposals by chief scientist Professor David King to kill all animals within 3km of infected premises across the country were still under consideration.
His advice followed the publication of three studies showing that the epidemic is growing out of control and new measures are needed.
Baroness Hayman said the studies took a “broad brush approach” and indicated that ministers may not be willing or able to implement the 3km cull to the letter.
“The study did not differentiate between species and it did not go through the logistical consequences,” she said.
Baroness Hayman said the Government would only implement policies where resources are available.
Ministers are still considering whether to use vaccination to dampen down the spread of the disease. A decision is expected soon, she said.
Using the Army to help with logistical planning has freed up veterinary time and helped speed up the operation, said Baroness Hayman.
The Government has also reduced the time vets have to be quarantined between farm visits and about 95% of cases are now diagnosed by telephone.
About 1200 vets are now being used, some of whom are part-time, and efforts have been made to speed up the process of valuing infected animals.