August 6, 2007

 

FMD outbreak another major blow for UK farmers

 

UK farmers, already hit with flooding this summer are now facing an outbreak of the potentially devastating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

 

Government officials confirmed late Friday (August 3) foot-and-mouth had been discovered in a 60-head cattle farm in Surrey, in southern England.

 

The UK's previous foot-and-mouth outbreak six years ago saw 6 million animals culled, including 4.9 million sheep, 700,000 cattle and 400,000 pigs.

 

Adding in tourism losses, the 2001 outbreak cost the UK economy over GBP8 billion.

 

The outbreak is "deeply troubling news," said Peter Ainsworth, Shadow Secretary for the State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

 

Ainsworth added the outbreak comes during the key summer tourist season. About 22 percent of total UK farm income comes from diversified businesses such as accommodation, shops, restaurants and visitor attractions.

 

"For livestock farmers, this is the last thing that they need following the disastrous summer weather," said David Fursdon, president of the Country Land and Business Association for England and Wales.

While flooding only hit a limited number of farmers directly, the rains prevented many from making hay and silage for livestock feed. The overly wet weather has also been unfavourable for the UK's wheat, barley and rapeseed crops, raising feed costs.

 

So far, only the one farm in Surrey has been confirmed with a foot-and-mouth infection. But to halt the spread of the disease, all movement of UK cattle, sheep and pigs has been banned.

 

The UK Saturday (August 4) imposed a voluntary export ban on all animals and animal products. Britain was just recently recovering from previous export bans. In March, producers celebrated when the European Union lifted its 10-year ban on UK beef imports, which had been due to BSE or mad-cow disease.

 

Fursdon added that many cattle herds are already under restrictions as a result of bovine TB. Earlier this year, the UK survived after a bird flu outbreak, which was contained to one turkey farm in eastern England.

 

"At a time when consumers are being persuaded to buy local produce, including meat, image and PR are crucial," added Fursdon. "The way in which this outbreak is handled is therefore critical."

 

Jim McLaren, president of Scotland's National Farmers Union, said: "There are a number of major agricultural shows on this weekend, and the timing of this for them could not be worse."

 

He added that shows are continuing, but they can't involve cattle, sheep, goats or pigs.

 

Peter Kendall, president of England and Wales National Farmers Union described the 2001 outbreak as "dark days," and said a return to such would be "devastating" for farmers.