Author
|
Topic: WARNING-FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE IN THE UK
|
Philip Davis unregistered
|
posted 03-01-2001 01:18 PM
There has unfortunately been an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in the UK. This is a highly contageous disease that effects cloven holfed animals (cows, sheep, pigs, goats, deer etc.) Because this disease can be carried in the mud on car tyres and walking boots people have been asked not to visit areas where these animals may be. Many castles in the UK are in rural areas. For those that normally charge an entrance fee it would be wise to confirm if they are open before visiting. For those on open land and the many minor earthworks in fields it would be wise to put off your visit until after this outbreak is over. Whilst many farmers are often quite welcoming to castle hunters in normal times it is unlikely with their animals at risk and their livelihoods threatened that they will be please to see you. |
wurdsmiff unregistered
|
posted 03-01-2001 01:44 PM
To re-inforce the point, most countryside walks in Scotland have been closed, including the West Highland and Southern Upland Ways. Most zoos have closed, there was even discussion on abandoning this years Six Nations Rugby Championship. The Police in Scotland and the chief vet are advising against all unnecessary rural journeys, and there are exclusion limits of up to 10 miles around farms with confirmed cases. I imagine similar situations throughout the UK and Ireland. I heard reported today a suspected case in Germany, and so similar restrictions may possibly be applied across Europe shortly if the case is confirmed. All livestock transportation is banned, and since the disease has an incubation period of two weeks, a safety margin of four weeks after the last confirmed case is being predicted. This situation may last for some time. |
Peter Member
|
posted 03-02-2001 12:22 PM
just to confirm the above two comments. A trip a few days ago found many sites in Sth. Wales closed off. And if not closed off, but accessed through a footpath .. be wise, NO NOT GO ! Sites within towns\cities are fine. |
wurdsmiff unregistered
|
posted 03-03-2001 03:00 AM
Physically it doesn't, other than restricting the food supply due to widespread slaughter, stopping us going on castle/site visits in rural areas, and stopping me from going fishing!! The restrictions are generally in place to stop the spread of the disease, which is extremely virulent. A wise farmer would not take kindly to anyone wandering across his land for whatever reason.------------------ Demeure par la verite Visit my web-site at www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon. |
Philip Davis unregistered
|
posted 03-03-2001 11:02 AM
Sheep, however, are affected by F&M and you should seek advice from the Irish Ministry of Agriculture if you have any concerns. |
duncan Senior Member
|
posted 03-03-2001 11:20 AM
I have heard that Ireland has suspected cases of H and M. as well as the mainland. It does have a very bad effect on sheep and goats. |