Foot and Mouth

I see from todays news that a new outbreak of "foot and mouth" has been discovered in Surrey.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6930684.stm

Apart from the obvious of pushing up prices again, (they'll soar anyway from the floods) this will have impact on our rights of way network (Green lanes).

A 3km protection zone has been put in place around the premises and a UK ban imposed on movement of all livestock.

Defra has opened up a helpline in response to the latest outbreak. It is on 08459 335577.

At the moment no lanes in the area have been closed, but it will be only a matter of time.

All memebers green lanning in this or other areas are therefore advised to check before setting out, and if neccessary replan or avoid the affected areas. This is an easily spread disease from farm track to farm track. Its so easy to be accused of abusing lanes that it maybe wise to avoid the lanes in Surrey for the meantime.

"In accordance with legislation, all cattle on the Surrey premises will be culled, said a government spokesman."

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE
Foot-and-mouth is a highly contagious viral disease which affects cattle

Symptoms include fever, lesions in the mouth and lameness

The disease only crosses the species barrier from cattle to human with very great difficulty

The disease in humans is mild, short-lived and requires no medical treatment