Foot and mouth disease

The return of Foot and Mouth has caused understandable anxiety amongst rural communities and businesses, concerned to ensure the countryside is not perceived as ‘closed for business’ once again.  ENPAA’s Chairman has written to the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP on the subject.  He stressed how National Park Authorities are well connected with the farming community, the tourism industry and with visitors, and how they could help with the efforts to contain Foot and Mouth if required.

ENPAA highlighted too the importance of learning the lessons from the 2001 outbreak.  It is vital to avoid a perception being generated amongst the public that the countryside is closed.  This would risk severely damaging farming in marginal areas and the rural communities who rely so heavily on tourism.

DEFRA latest information on foot and mouth disease