F&M: What you can do
F&M: What you can do
By Marianne Curtis
ALL livestock producers must do their part over the coming weeks to ensure foot-and-mouth disease is stopped in its tracks. With new outbreaks being confirmed on a daily basis, no-one can afford to think their farm is immune, say vets.
Be vigilant when inspecting livestock and especially so when you are downwind of a confirmed outbreak, advises head of MAFFs Eastern Region Veterinary Service, Gareth Jones.
"It is a legal requirement to report suspected cases of foot-and-mouth to MAFF. Producers have a social responsibility to the rest of the industry to make sure scrutiny of their stock for signs of disease is as high as possible. Those who have bought livestock during the last three weeks should be especially vigilant."
The disease can be particularly difficult to identify in sheep, he warns. "Lameness due to foot-and-mouth is less pronounced in sheep than cattle and pigs. Do not assume lame sheep have foot rot. Check for foot-and-mouth."
Foremost in most producers minds is how to stop the disease from entering units and although not foolproof, certain practical steps can help, says independent vet consultant Tony Andrews.
"Most farms have an entrance gate which is never used. Closing it will help deter unnecessary visitors and stray dogs which could carry the disease."
Essential visitors such as vets and AI technicians should be encouraged to leave vehicles at farm entrances, adds Mr Jones. "Designate an area for vehicles away from animals. Although it may seem inconvenient, dont allow visitors to drive around the farm.
"Also ensure delivery and collection lorries are disinfected as they come on and go off the unit and consider re-routing them away from livestock."
When visitors must enter the unit, ensure they are wearing cleanly laundered overalls and waterproof clothing and boots which should be washed with disinfectant before access to livestock, advises Mr Jones.
But risk can also lie much closer to home from yourself, farm staff and dogs. "Think of your own movements in the same way as movement restrictions in place for livestock. Question whether it is necessary to attend meetings where you will mix with other producers," says Mr Jones.
Be aware that staff living on other farms may present a risk and plan accordingly, advises Dr Andrews. "Foot-and-mouth virus can survive on materials such as leather and hair for weeks. Ensure staff have home and farm clothing and footwear, changing completely before entering and leaving the unit."
As well as humans, dogs can carry the disease and extra care should be taken to keep them under control, he adds. "Keep dogs indoors or on a lead. Using them to round up animals is a risk because they could disappear anywhere, possibly coming into contact with infected animals and bringing the disease back to your farm."
Both vets agree that disinfectant barriers should be used on all farms (see p42). Materials being used include straw, sawdust and carpet soaked in disinfectant. "As well as killing virus, these act as a psychological barrier reminding unnecessary visitors to keep off your unit," says Dr Andrews.
This psychological barrier will become increasingly important in future weeks as foot-and-mouth moves out of the headlines, he adds. "Complacency is a major concern. The public is being co-operative, staying away from livestock farms, but when other news stories replace foot-and-mouth it will be more difficult to keep them away.
"Using signs on rights of way to plead for their co-operation and remind them of the continuing seriousness of the situation may offer a way forward."
PREVENTIONTACTICS
• Keep unnecessary visitors out.
• Reduce risks from staff and dogs.
• Beware of complacency.