UFU urges local farmers to be vigilant
UK - The President of the Ulster Farmers' Union, Kenneth Sharkey, said Saturday that local farmers faced an anxious wait following confirmation of a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Surrey, England.
5 August 2007
1 minute read
Kenneth Sharkey said; "We support our Agriculture Ministers immediate decision to ban the importation of live animals from GB to Northern Ireland. A clear lesson from the 2001 outbreak is that swift action when a disease is detected is crucial. We will work closley with DEFRA and DARD to ensure all necessary precautions are taken as quickly as possible. The situation regarding Northern Ireland will be kept under constant review. Farmers will be prepared to endure whatever inconveniences are necessary in the short run to avoid the disease spreading further".
The UFU urged local farmers to be vigilant and watch closely for any signs of the disease in the local herd. Kenneth Sharkey said; "We hope this outbreak will be contained. In the meantime farmers should continue to practise good bio-security, monitor their livestock closley and familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the disease".
TheCattleSite Newsdesk
