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Release Date: 23/02/01 Issued by: Sussex Downs Conservation Board For more information contact: | |
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Julian Gray jgray@southdowns-aonb.gov.uk |
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YESTERDAY it was announced that the first cases of foot-and-mouth disease for 20 years have been discovered in England. The Sussex Downs Conservation Board is asking people to take extra care to avoid facilitating the spread of the disease. Exclusion zones have been places around farms in Buckinghamshire, Isle of Wight Gloucestershire and Tyne & Wear. As yet there have been no cases of the disease reported in the South Downs. Although not dangerous to humans, the foot-and-mouth virus is highly contagious in cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. It can be spread by footwear, so it is possible for visitors to spread the disease by walking from farm to farm. The Board is asking visitors to the South Downs to take the following precautions: • Keep away from farmyards• Divert your route away from fields with livestock• Look for alternative walks in woodland, along public paths across cultivated land and in urban park areas. • Keep your dog on a lead – although dogs can't catch the disease, they can spread it. • Please use any disinfectant if provided.At Seven Sisters Country Park sheep are used to graze the downland. As a precaution, visitors are being asked to walk in the Friston Forest part of the park, away from grazed grassland areas. Phil Belden the Board's Countryside Manager said: " Taking care now with responsible access to the countryside may prevent any worsening situation occurring." The Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food have set up a Helpline for callers wanting general advice on the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease - Telephone: 0845 0504141 (local rate)
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For more information contact Julian Gray Information Manager on 01903 741234. The Sussex Downs Conservation Board web site is: www.vic.org.ukSeven Sisters Country Park is owned by East Sussex County Council and managed by the Sussex Downs Conservation Board. The Board aims to protect, conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The AONB covers almost 400 square miles (1,000 square km) and 1,364 miles (2,200 km) of rights of way, stretching from the Hampshire border to Eastbourne. It aims to encourage people's quiet enjoyment of the area and to promote sustained economic and social development. Sussex Downs Officer Martin Beaton is the Chief Officer, with Countryside Manager Phil Belden his deputy. Woodhouse Communications (01444 473588) has issued this release on behalf of the Sussex Downs Conservation Board. |
