24/09/07 - Foot and Mouth Suspected in Hampshire

Cllr Caroline Nokes has reacted swiftly to news that there is a further suspected case of foot and mouth disease in Hampshire - this time at West Tytherley on the Hampshire Wiltshire border.

Caroline said:

"I sincerely hope that this case is not Foot and Mouth, but it is crucial that all measures are put in place to try to prevent any spread should it be confirmed. I must emphasise that this is not a confirmed case at present, but it is perfectly proper that all precautionary measures should be taken immediately. 

"This is dreadful news for the farming community in Hampshire, the county was lucky during the 2001 outbreak, but it does appear as if efforts at containment of the Surrey outbreak may have failed.

"This has been a very bad year for farmers - and it is so important that we get this disease under control.  I do question whether movement bans were lifted too soon after the August outbreak, which originated due to poor bio-security measures at the Pirbright laboratory.

"Our farmers invest time, money, commitment and emotion in their herds and flocks and we must do our utmost to support them."

Defra has imposed a 3km protection zone around West Tytherley, but has not yet released details of the farm at the centre of the suspected outbreak.