St. David's Diocese

Guidelines for Clergy visiting during the Foot & Mouth Disease Epedemic
Whilst understanding that pastorally many of you may wish to visit farms to express support and especially as the situation develops further, the following advice from the MAFF is given
  • Please show great restraint in visiting farms. It is strongly advised that you make an appointment by telephone.
  • Ask about precautions you should take and those you will be asked to take on arrival.
  • In extreme circumstances where a personal visit is absolutely necessary do not drive to the farm, leave the car on the road and walk up to the farm after ensuring that the farmer has suitable disinfectant. You must disinfect at the entrance to the farm and the most suitable disinfectants will be held by the farmers themselves - an off-the-shelf product may not be sufficient.
  • Wear boots and clothing which can be washed and disinfected (and ideally jetwashed); e.g. Waterproof leggings and tops, wellington boots. Avoid visiting other farms with the same clothing unless you can guarantee that these clothes have been disinfected.
  • More detailed advice is available on the Ministry of Agriculture website (www.maff.gov.uk/animalsh/diseases/fmd)
Current concerns of farming families
  • Memories of the effects of the 1967/8 outbreak may be reawakened.
  • Fear that life and business may be destroyed ... signs of disease result in all livestock being destroyed.
  • Isolation ... Social and business contracts are being lost.
  • Cash flow ... The ban on moving animals prevents sales of stock.
  • Animal welfare ... overcrowding.
Other Groups of People affected:
  • Agricultural Contractors
  • Hauliers
  • Agricultural Merchants
  • Traders in Market Towns.