8/8/07 -

Set-aside derogation granted in Wales to allow grazing on set-aside due to foot and mouth movement restrictions.

The Government is undertaking a "major effort" to "isolate and control" the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey, the Prime Minister has said.

Speaking to journalists in Downing Street, the Prime Minister said that a total of 46 premises had been checked for the traces of the virus with all but two returning negative results. Efforts to contain the outbreak had been "intensive" and were now being "stepped up", he said.

Referring to an interim report from the Health and Safety Executive released this evening, Mr Brown added that the chances of the virus being transmitted by air or by surface water from the Pirbright facility, which houses the Merial company and the Institute for Animal Health, were "negligible". The investigation would now look at the drainage systems at the Merial plant as well as the possibility of human transmission, with a further report expected tomorrow, he added.

Mr Brown said that the national ban on the transport of livestock was an "important part of our strategy" and would remain in place. He thanked the farming community throughout the UK for their co-operation and promised increased compensation for the two farming enterprises directly affected.

Earlier today the Government's Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds, confirmed that foot and mouth infection had been found at a second farm and that a total of 97 animals had been culled on Monday evening. This was in addition to the cull carried out on Saturday at the initial infection site near Wanborough.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs also announced that exclusion zones enforced over the weekend had been extended, and footpaths within the zone closed, as a result of the second infection.

FFA are delighted to hear that the footpaths in the exclusion zone have now been closed, common sense has prevailed at last. Chairman of FFA David Handley did speak yesterday to a local MP in the surrey area urging action on this issue,  which we are happy to see have now been put in place.

7/8/07 As the concerns of farmers continue to grow, especially regarding the non closure of footpaths and bridleways in the exclusion zone, and why are we still allowing the import of meat and meat products from FMD emdemic countries whilst all our exports are on hold, here is a typical report from one of our members of the madness of this situation.  If you have any stories you wish to be read, please e mail us at secretary@farmersforaction.org

"NOT CLOSING FOOTPATHS IS RIDICULOUS.
I HAVE AN IN CALF HEIFER THAT DIED ON FRIDAY AND SHE IS LYING BESIDE A FOOTPATH, SHE HAS A REFERENCE NUMBER AND CANNOT BE MOVED, YET DOG OWNERS FREELY WALK PAST THIS STINKING CARCASS AND IGNORE MY NOTICES ADVISING NOT TO WALK BECAUSE OF FALLEN STOCK. I HAVE PHONED DEFRA ANIMAL HEALTH AND FOOTPATHS ARE TO REMAIN OPEN. TODAY I SAW AN OLD COUPLE WALKING SIX DOGS OFF THE LEAD THROUGH MY IN CALF HEIFERS. INCREDIBLE"

4/8/07 -  FMD outbreak - Here we again.  Where did it come from? Government spin very quick off the mark, possibly one of their  research sites?   Until they BAN meat and meat product imports from countries where FMD is endemic such as Brazil, Argentina, some parts of S Africa we are wide open to further infection.  

Why won't they listen to the industry? We  have weak leadership and weak representation.  For pity's sake follow Australia's stance - stop anything that poses a threat to our country coming in, the British  people deserve that security, the majority! voted Labour in albeit not with Gordon  Brown at the helme, so it is now his chance to prove, unlike his predecessor, that he is dedicated to the country he has been chosen to lead. 

Food shortages are already upon us, as an island we are  vulnerable, support your farmers, Mr Brown, you need them, we produce the bread of life!