Cull may be extended to wildlife
26 February 2001
Cull may be extended to wildlife
By John Burns in Devon
THOUSANDS of red deer may be culled in an attempt to stop the spread of Britains worst foot-and-mouth disease outbreak for 30 years.
National park officers in Devon are worried that red deer on Exmoor may be at risk from nearby farms which have gone down with foot-and-mouth disease.
Farmers leaders met national park officers and local council representatives on Sunday (25 February) to discuss an action plan to stop the disease spreading.
The moors herd of red deer and farm livestock are at risk from vehicles, walkers and horse-riders who may stray into the area, they warned.
Richard Webber, one of the meetings organisers, said the red deer would be killed along with other livestock if the disease reached the area.
The decision came after veterinary advisers said disinfectant baths across access roads to the moor would have only limited effect.
There are a few thousand deer in north Devon and west Somerset, living on the moor and using the woods as a place of safety.
The west Somerset branch of the National Farmers Union has urged farmers to prevent access to land and to provide disinfectant where access is essential.
Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) officials have also called for the emergency suspension of access to all National Parks and common land.
Rhian Nowell-Phillips, FUW land use officer, said temporary orders should be imposed on public rights of way as a precaution against foot-and-mouth.
She added: “Many people genuinely do not understand the potential devastation this disease can cause to rural areas.”
Mrs Nowell-Phillips said the public should stop recreational visits to the countryside and to stay away from all farm land until the crisis is over.
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