This page is a news release published by Wrexham County Borough Council.
Content Author: pressoffice@wrexham.gov.uk
06 August 2007
Foot and Mouth Disease
Following the investigation of suspected Foot and Mouth Disease near Guildford in Surrey, a GB wide national movement ban of all pigs, cattle, sheep and other ruminants has been imposed. Throughout the country no animal movements are allowed except under licence.
Controls are in place on the movement of animal carcasses and all animal gatherings, shearing and dipping activities are restricted and all farms must increase levels of bio security. There are no plans for blanket restrictions on footpaths at the present time.
Andy Lewis, Chief Housing and Public Protection Officer said “The Welsh Assembly Government has contingency plans to deal with Foot and Mouth Disease and is working closely with DEFRA, as part of UK contingency plans. Farmers are being urged to be vigilant and to report any suspicious signs in their animals to their local Animal Health Offices”. Contact details are as follows:
Caernarfon – 01286 674144
Carmarthen – 01267 245400. Night – 07000 780144
Cardiff – 029 20 768500
Advice from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is that Foot and Mouth Disease is not a direct public health threat. The Food Standards Agency considers that Foot and Mouth Disease has no implications for the human food chain.
There is advice to farmers on a number of Government websites
- www.wales.gov.uk/footandmouth
- www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2007/animal-0803.htm
- www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth
- www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_069654
Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards Animal Health Team has set up a local advice line 01978 813744 at the Public Protection Service’s Offices in High Street, Ruabon, to provide up to date information to farmers and local businesses.
There is also a DEFRA Helpline – 0845 9 335577.
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