FMD UPDATE 23 FROM NFU WEST MIDLANDS 25/09/07
CONTENTS: Current situation; Epidemiology, ‘risk’ areas, movements, Bluetongue; contact nos
CURRENT SITUATION
Yesterday evening, DEFRA outlined their ‘integrated, risk based approach to deal with the current disease situation with both Bluetongue and Foot and Mouth Disease, based on the contingency plan and continued work with industry’.
There have been six foot & mouth Infected Premises. Currently there are Temporary Control Zones on the Hampshire/West Sussex border and in Hampshire. A further slaughter on suspicion for Foot and Mouth disease was taking place last night at a premises within the existing Egham Protection Zone.
A second cow has tested positive for Bluetongue on the same farm in Baylham, Suffolk, where the disease was first discovered on 22 September. This is not sufficient evidence to confirm an outbreak of Bluetongue as it cannot yet be demonstrated that the disease is circulating between the local animal and midge populations. The cow was culled as it may have posed a threat to the other animals on the premises. This is because it could have potentially provided a source of infection for the local midge population. DEFRA continue to test the remaining animals on the premises and surrounding area.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
DEFRA has also published the latest FMD Epidemiology report produced by the National Epidemiology Emergency Group. It concludes that IP5 provides a link between the August and September cases, with IP5 probably being infected by mechanical transmission, either from the Pirbright site or one of the first two Infected Premises in the Elstead area. It also concludes that IPs 3 and 4 were probably infected subsequently.
The report also states there have been limited animal movements out of the Surrey area, in part due to the restrictions in place in August, which has reduced the risk of wider spread. In addition, the report concludes that the future course of the outbreak is dependent on the surveillance for infection and disease by both animal keepers and Animal Health patrols. Cattle owners are urged to check their animals twice daily and report any suspicions of disease immediately.
Intensive surveillance is already underway on a precautionary basis in the wider Egham and Surrey areas. Further surveillance by cattle blood testing will take place.
‘RISK’ AREAS
Based on the epidemiological report and the overall assessment of risk, two FMD risk areas will come into effect from 3.30pm today (Tuesday 25 September):
Risk Area: consisting of Essex, Kent, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Greater London.
Low Risk Area: The rest of England, Wales and Scotland
MOVEMENTS
In England, farm to farm movements will be allowed also from 3.30pm Tuesday 25 September under stringent conditions and subject to high levels of biosecurity with enforcement by Local Authorities (Trading Standards)
Details on the areas and the movement licences will be on the DEFRA website at: ww.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/movements/index.htm.
FMD Low Risk Area: Existing FMD movements continue to apply. In addition, farm to farm movements will be permitted under strict conditions and subject to high levels of biosecurity. We understand this will include strict cleansing and disinfecting of vehicles and compliance with existing ID and movement rules. A signed self declaration that animals are free from signs of disease will be necessary.
FMD Risk Area: Existing FMD controls continue to apply in this area.
The following livestock movements out of this area will be permitted:
· Direct moves to slaughter (both within and outside the risk area);
· Direct moves to slaughter via collection centres and dedicated slaughter sales (both within and outside the risk area);
The following moves will be permitted within this area, but livestock may not be moved out of this area into the low risk area:
· Calving cows (up to 50Km with a 20 day standstill);
· Pigs moving within established “pyramids” between specific units (up to 50km or 100km).
Livestock Markets and Sales – NFU are actively seeking a decision on when livestock markets can resume in the lower risk area. We are meeting with DEFRA on an almost continuous basis to try and resolve this issue as quickly as possible.
BLUETONGUE
DEFRA has also identified, from 3.30pm Tuesday 25 September, a Bluetongue Temporary Area while surveillance is carried out to determine whether the virus is circulating. This area encompasses Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, and covers those additional areas which could be included in any further movement controls should an outbreak of Bluetongue be confirmed.
In this area the same movements as in the FMD Risk Zone will apply, but in addition, farm to farm movements will be permitted under strict conditions and subject to high levels of biosecurity. Cattle and sheep will not be permitted to move out of the Bluetongue Temporary Area, but pig movements within established pyramids will be permitted to move, subject to licence conditions.
ANIMAL HEALTH CONTACT DETAILS
Stafford 01785 231900
Leicester 0116 278 7451
Worcester 01905 767111
TRADING STANDARDS CONTACT DETAILS
Herefordshire - 01432 261908
Staffordshire – 01785 277875 (9-5pm Sat, 9-1pm Sun)
Shropshire - 01743 254131
Warwickshire – 01926 414040
Worcestershire – 01905 765709
Telford & Wrekin - 01952 381999
HELPLINES
NFU CallFirst (0870 845 8458) –open 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 2.00pm on Saturday and Sundays
Defra Helpline - 08459 33 55 77
RSPCA Helpline - 0870 7538333
Farming Help 07002 326 326
Ruth Wall
Senior Admin Asst
NFU West Midlands
01952 409245