Devon now F&M-free
Devon now F&M-free
FROM 2pm on Wednesday (Aug 1) the whole of Devon was officially declared free of foot-and-mouth.
"This is very good news for the farming community and the tourism industry and means that Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset are now infection-free", said junior DEFRA minister Lord Whitty.
"Devon was one of the most heavily infected areas for foot-and- mouth. This is a clear sign that DEFRAs rigorous application of FMD policies has been effective."
At peak, FMD was affecting 15,950 premises in the south west region.
Meanwhile Devon County Show will go ahead on August 9,10 and 11 although cattle, sheep, pigs and goats will be absent.
VIP visitors will include rural affairs minister Alun Michael, CLA and NFU presidents and Tory leadership candidate Iain Duncan Smith. *