School cancelled over foot-and-mouth
24 February 2001
School cancelled over foot-and-mouth
by Sarah Walton
CHILDREN from farming families in areas hit by foot-and-mouth disease have been told to stay at home and not attend school until further notice.
Northumberland County Council issued the advice in a statement to all farm children within Infected Area Two around Heddon-on-the-Wall.
The designated Infected Area Two extends to a radius of 10 miles from Heddon-on-the-Wall and includes most of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Schools within the area will be open as usual only for children from urban areas who are expected to attend as normal, the statement said.
All dog owners within this area, including those in Newcastle, have been urged to keep their animals on a lead and under control at all times.
The Town Moor in Newcastle – a popular spot for dog walkers – has been placed out of bounds to the public in a bid to stop the disease spreading.
Rural tourism has also hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis. The National Trust said ramblers should avoid Hadrians Wall and other popular beauty destinations.
It is understood that Northumberland College of Agricultures Kirkley Hall site has cancelled its student lectures for the time being.
A Ministry of Agriculture spokesman said it was far too early to tell whether the disease had been contained.