DEFRA announced today that two reports will be published by next week on the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey. The department have already received a report from the Health and Safety Executive outlining the details of the Surrey outbreak. Another report is due from Brian Spratt of the Imperial College, London. The two of these reports are expected to be released simultaneously by DEFRA in a few days time.
Foot and mouth is a viral disease of cloven hoofed animals (sheep, cattle, pigs etc) which is easily spread. The UK is normally free of this disease but the last major outbreak was in 2001 when the government was seriously criticized for mismanaging the epidemic.
John Bryan, the IFA National Livestock Committee Chairman welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan that application forms for the new €80 Suckler Cow Welfare and Quality scheme will be sent to all suckler farmers before Christmas.
John Bryan, the IFA National Livestock Committee Chairman welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan that application forms for the new €80 Suckler Cow Welfare and Quality scheme will be sent to all suckler farmers before Christmas.