25/09/2007 - Foot and Mouth Fears Averted

Cllr Caroline Nokes has today welcomed the news that the temporary control zone set up around Little Buckholt Farm in Tytherley has been lifted following negative tests for Foot and Mouth.

Caroline said:

"It is a massive relief that this was not foot and mouth, and during conversations I have had with vets over the last 24 hours I have learnt a great deal more about the disease.  Apparently it is not uncommon for livestock to form lesions for a number of reasons, completely unconnected with foot and mouth.  But it is far better to be safe than sorry, and with a disease as virulent as this the precautionary principle must be adhered to.

"However, there are potential welfare issues looming for farmers, with a particularly poor year for hay, and movement restrictions, meaning that keeping animals fed may become a problem.  We must hope that this outbreak in Surrey is got back under control and that British farming can recover as quickly as possible."