The NFU says today’s forecast by the Government’s Chief Scientist that the tide may be starting to turn on the foot and mouth disease is a glimmer of hope for Britain’s countryside.
Go deeper with GlobalData
But NFU President Ben Gill said that the nightmare for Britain’s livestock farmers was far from over and more still had to be done to ensure the Government’s targets for slaughter were being met everywhere.
Ben Gill said: “This report provides a much-needed sign that the current slaughter and destruction strategy is having an impact on the daily incidence of this disease and further evidence that this approach is the best way to rid this country of foot and mouth once and for all.”
He praised the work of the Army and others on the ground, from public servants to lorry drivers to the growing contingent of veterinary surgeons both from home and overseas, who have all helped to improve response times and management of the disease. He said: “I want to express my sincere thanks on this.”
Ben Gill added that while further improvement was still needed, the scientific advice indicated that there was no need at the moment for vaccination to play a major part in the disease control policy.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe use of vaccination would ultimately require the diversion of vital resources in the short term and present a raft of medium and longer-term issues that extended far wider than the loss of Britain’s ability to export.
There would need to be movement restrictions on produce and livestock from vaccinated areas and there would be the risk of vaccinated animals infecting healthy stock. Vaccination against foot and mouth disease is not the simplistic tool used to immunise people from childhood diseases.
He said: “This disease has devastated Britain’s livestock sector and severely knocked the tourist and allied industries. Many farmers know that if they are to survive, the job of re-building the industry must begin soon.”
Ben Gill added that more resources have to be made available in the disease hotspots of Cumbria and Devon and in areas of concern like Northumberland, the West Midlands and Gloucestershire to ensure the rapid slaughter policy continues to make in-roads into the disease.
He said: “The united fight against this disease must move forward from here with renewed determination. The faster we move, the fewer animals we will need to slaughter.
“The quicker we can remove this disease from our shores, the sooner farmers, allied industries and tourism can all be re-established. None of this is easy – indeed it is horrible – but it is what we must do.”
Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this document, the NFU cannot accept liability for errors and omissions. This information should not be regarded as constituting legal advice, and should therefore not be relied upon as such. NFU©
