Foot-and-mouth reaches Scotland

1 March 2001



Foot-and-mouth reaches Scotland

By Alistair Driver

THE number of cases of foot-and-mouth disease has risen again, with outbreaks reported in Scotland, Carlisle and Northern Ireland.

The 27th confirmed case of the disease was reported in cattle at Longtown, Carlisle, Cumbria. It is possible that sheep on the same unit are also infected.

Six more highly suspicious cases are expected to be confirmed by the end of Thursday (1 March), said Chief Veterinary Officer Jim Scudamore.

They include two outbreaks in livestock in Dumfries, Scotland.

Two cases are expected to be confirmed at Carlisle, Cumbria; and one case at Bishop Auckland, County Durham, said Mr Scudamore.

A highly suspicious case reported on Wednesday (28 February) in South Armagh, Northern Ireland, is also likely to be confirmed.

Mr Scudamore said all cases were almost certainly due to the transportation of sheep before livestock movements were banned last Friday (23 February).

About 21,000 animals at the 27 sites confirmed with the disease have either been killed or are awaiting slaughter, Mr Scudamore said.

A further 4200 animals on 20 farms listed as dangerous contacts will also be slaughtered in an effort to stop the disease from spreading.

It is the fourth day running that at least six new cases have been reported.

Mr Scudamore said that he expected a similar number of cases would be reported every day for the next 10 days or so.

The National Farmers Union of Scotland said news of the first confirmed foot-and-mouth cases in Scotland was a devastating, if not unexpected, blow.

Union president Jim Walker said: “The arrival of this epidemic in Scotland is a tragedy for the whole industry.

“It was always likely that an outbreak would spread across the border, and it would be realistic to expect more cases before this nightmare is over.

“The dangers for our industry are beyond comprehension and this news will confirm the worst fears of Scottish farmers.”

Guidance for farmers in the affected area will be issued as soon as possible.