Foot and Mouth strikes again?

natmadaboutdexters · Post by **natmadaboutdexters** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:11 pm

I have just heard on the news of a possible new case of foot and mouth in Surrey, 30 miles from the farms that were affected in August. This is all a bit worrying as movements have only just started again.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:46 pm

This is true, degree of suspicion high and animals being slaughtered. Initial laboratory results expected this afternoon, not always conclusive.

Duncan

Peter thornton · Post by **Peter thornton** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:58 pm

It would be disastrous if movement restrictions were imposed over the rest of the UK because of this possible outbreak. Bearing in mind that we know that the source is nearby and not at the other end of the Country.

Duncan, I've heard it said that FMD was a frequent occurrence during the last century. I'm sure that I read somewhere that there was an outbreak most years, before 1967. Apparently it was usually dealt with by a County wide restriction. Admittedly we now have significantly more animal movements.

I do wonder if the horrendous mismanagement of the last outbreak may lead to an over reaction in future cases?

Jo Kemp · Post by **Jo Kemp** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 2:35 pm

I have spoken to Animal Health in Ayr. FMD confirmed. All movement stopped as before, also isolation units closed (bit useless if no movements anyway)
I was concerned that the movementsorder was lifted from the outbreak area so I suppose animals could be anywhere again.
Carlisle sale on Sat 15th is off of course but at the moment they have over 3,000 animals on standstill! Bigger headache than mine but I do need to sell about 40 sheep .... had higher than usual hopes too as I was selling Gulmogets (specially coloured Shetlands) and nope, I haven't sprayed them with acrylic paint!
There were quite a few Dexters in the catalogue too - Darnbrooks and Neal Ewart selling so was interested to see the animals. I know Darnbrooks have good stock but haven't seen Neal's
I am wittering Sorry!
Jo

Woodmagic · Post by **Woodmagic** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 2:54 pm

Devastating news, this knocks the AGM on the head. I thought the weather could put a damper on things, but never envisaged more Foot and Mouth problems. I was looking forward to meeting some of you. Just when things seemed to be looking up, with the fine weather of the last few weeks allowing most folks to retrieve enough winter fodder after all.
It is particularly worrying, since it is past the period of anticipated infection. I certainly would not want to cut corners to make life easier, only to find it rampaging all over the country. I think it has to be patience again, and just hope they find the source quickly.

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 3:49 pm

Now a sheep in Lanark market is under investigation, probably much more likely to be a false alarm but I would think we will need to wait patiently for lab tests on this one.

In the early years of 20th century there were frequent outbreaks, not so bad after the middle of century, but I can remember late 50's, 1962, 1967. Now we certainly have much more transport of animals, though it is the volume and speed which has increased rather than distances - eg in 1800's 1000s of cattle walked from west highlands to Falkirk etc and then over months or even a year south to Smithfield.

I have to say I am all in favour of a total shut down instantly a case shows up to limit spread as much as ever possible.

I think all we can do is wait, don't panic, watch our stock and be serious about biosecurity.

Duncan

Post by **Mark Bowles** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 5:24 pm

They seem to be checking some pigs in Norfolk as well.
Mark

groubearfarm · Post by **groubearfarm** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 8:36 pm

I have just spoken to Mervyn who wants to assure members that unless there are any further developments or restrictions the AGM will go ahead as planned, although unfortunately the herd visits both to his own herd on Saturday and to the Woodmagic,Templeton and Paxton Herds on Sunday 14th October have to be cancelled. I look forward to seeing you there. Fiona

Woodmagic · Post by **Woodmagic** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 7:45 am

Re-reading my message, it looks as if I might inadvertently have been suggesting the AGM could be cancelled. I was simply voicing my own disappointment that there would be no herd visits. I know that Mervyn is determined to make it a real event despite the lack of cattle. You will still have the attraction of Professor Bruford’s presentation, which should prove quite exciting and constructive, apart from the pleasure of meeting folks that you don’t see in the rest of the year. I envy you, and am only sorry I shant be there, or have the opportunity to meet up with some of you on Sunday.

Inger · Post by **Inger** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:48 am

Might I suggest that the owners of the herds that were to be visited, take photos of some of their animals to the AGM. That would be better than nothing at all. Perhaps a 'guess which herd this animal belongs to' competition. :D

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 10:54 am

How about videos so we can have a virtual farm walk?

Or lots of photos it would be lovely.

Stephanie

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:08 am

I am concerned to still see people advertising for and to sell pigs and sheep in Adtrader on the internet. It isn't a localised thing and I would imagine alot of the advertisers are "pet" people or very smallholders but I think that Adtrader should take some responsibility at a time like this and advise people to wait.

Not only might they buy and take these animals home but they will tramp around other peoples small holdings as well.

Any views/ideas? Am I off the mark/overreacting here?

Stephanie

happy hollidays · Post by **happy hollidays** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 3:21 pm

Perhaps the sellers are just keeping their foot in the door so to speak. There are people still wanting livestock, so why not be prepared for when the movement ban is lifted. It is tupping season and pigs need to get fat for christmas. We have piglets waiting to go, just missed the last easement as we were busy birthday partying for my daughter. They were going to be collected during the latter part of the week and then the second ban was in force by Wednesday and that put a stop to that, now eating me out of house and home!!