Visitors guide to dealing with foot-and-mouth
Visitors guide to dealing with foot-and-mouth
A FARM visit protocol to inform contractors how to deal with the foot-and-mouth outbreak has been launched jointly by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors and the NFU.
The protocol provides guidance on steps that must be taken before, during and after visits to non-infected farms and sets out the responsibilities of the farmer and the contractor.
In accordance with MAFF guidelines, the document carries advice on how to ensure contractors vehicles are properly disinfected.
The protocol demands that all farm visits are strictly agreed with the farmer and comply will all practice guidelines stated on the document. "We have advised that no unnecessary farm visits should be made, although there are contractors who must turn up for animal welfare or environmental reasons," says Jill Hewitt of the NAAC. "Contractors are finding it difficult to start essential services on mixed farms such as spring drilling where the is still hundreds of acres held over from the autumn."
Ms Hewitt believes the protocol will help ease the problem of making farm visits, while ensuring maximum precautions are taken to prevent the spread of the disease.
Copies of the protocol are available by contacting the NAAC. (01733-362920 www.naac.co.uk) *