FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE: GOVERNMENT ADVICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON COUNTRYSIDE ACTIVITIES AND VISITS

GUIDANCE TO THE PUBLIC FROM THE CHIEF VETERINARY OFFICER - JIM SCUDAMORE

The foot and mouth disease virus affects susceptible animals which include cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, wild boar, deer and certain zoo animals but not horses, dogs and cats or poultry. It is highly infectious. The virus can, however, be carried to animals by people, vehicles and non-susceptible animals.

The people most at risk of spreading disease are those who come into close contact with susceptible live stock in the course of their work � farmers, stockmen, livestock dealers and hauliers, vets and the like. Guidance for such people is provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF).

For the general public, the main risks arise from having contact with an infected animal, infected land or buildings, and then transferring the virus on their hands, clothing and especially footwear direct to another animal. If people have animal dung on their footwear they should clean and disinfect them as soon as possible. The virus is sensitive to heat, and disinfectants, but it can remain active for some time on clothing or dried mud or dung on shoes or vehicles. Indirect transfer via person to person contact � for example at a sporting or social event � and then onward to another animal, is possible but unlikely.

These risks are greatest in the areas around premises where foot and mouth disease is known to have occurred � the so called infected areas. Unfortunately, the widespread movement of animals before FMD was first recognised means that we cannot yet assume the disease is not present in any part of the country.

The key message for the general public is to avoid all contact with susceptible livestock and not to go on to farm premises or cross land where livestock are or may be kept.

On the basis of this guidance, the Government is issuing the following advice to the general public.

Where you can go now ?

Anywhere in the countryside, as long as you follow this advice, you can visit:

• towns, villages and seaside resorts pubs, restaurants and cafes
• shops and markets
• churches, museums, art galleries and historic buildings
• outdoor attractions with no susceptible animals
• sporting, recreational or other special events.
• Many parks, outdoor attractions with animals, beaches and some zoos may also be open.

• stay in hotels, guesthouses or other permanent accommodation
• drive, walk, run, ride horses, cycle on or beside tarmacked roads
• travel by all forms of public transport
• hold meetings or conferences (livestock farmers choosing to attend should follow MAFF guidance)
• participate in sporting, recreational or other special events away from farmland
• deliver newspapers and other supplies by road (other than where there are special arrangements for farms under restriction). �

• stay in caravans or tents
• walk, ride, cycle or drive on rights of way or in open countryside
• go sailing, fishing, rowing or canoeing
  

• Do not go near cattle, sheep, pigs or deer, wherever you are, and never feed farm animals. If you find yourself near these animals, walk away from them.
• Do not go on farmland which has been or is being used by livestock .
• Do not leave any waste food in open countryside or on farmland.
• Do not use footpaths that are closed. Particularly in areas close to infected farms, local authorities may have closed footpaths. You must obey these closures.
• Do not let your dog off its lead as it may cause animal movements.

• the National Trust will be opening or re-opening selected properties;
• English Heritage will be opening or re-opening more properties (many are still open);
• the Forestry Commission is looking at opening some woodlands;
• British Waterways will be re-opening some canals from 26 March and is discussing re-opening some towpaths with local authorities;
• local authorities and National Park Authorities will be reviewing whether more rights of way and areas of open countryside can safely be re-opened as the spread of the disease becomes clearer.

• �In the countryside, most areas subject to restrictions are clearly marked. Please obey any �keep out� signs.
• Many attractions are currently closed - but most are open. You need to check with the operator that they are open before you go.
• Many organisations, including those above, publish up-to-date details of what is open. The Government is looking urgently at the provision of more co-ordinated advice.
• Key websites are:
  Institute of Public Rights Of Way
  National Trust British Waterways
  Local authorities Countryside Agency
  MAFF Foot and Mouth Disease website
• Local tourist information offices are always willing to help.