Insure against disease, farmers told

9 January 2001



Insure against disease, farmers told

By FWi staff

FARMERS are being advised to take out higher insurance to protect against outbreaks of disease in their stock, reports The Times.

This comes after the Government ruled out financial aid, saying producers should shoulder the risks of health problems in animals.

Insurance would cost an average of 500 a year, or as much as 10,000 for large units, at a time when cash-strapped producers are cutting costs.

Producers are being encouraged to insure against foot-and-mouth disease, sheep pox, influenza and swine fever.

Ministers accept that they will have to pay in the event of a future BSE crisis, if the disease is found in sheep.

The newspaper says ministers are addressing insurance after anger from farmers affected by last years outbreak of swine fever.

• MAFF: pig aid is a substantial bonus, FWi, 01 September, 2000
• Pigs may be smuggled from zones, FWi, 24 August, 2000
  
• The Times 09 January, 2001 page 2