Latest from Horse & Hound in Foot-and-mouth-disease

Vigilance advised for horses returning to Britain after foot and mouth outbreak in Europe

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:47:47 +0000

British equestrians travelling to Germany are advised to be vigilant – and not return with locally bought hay or straw – owing to a case of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the country.

Defra announced on 7 February that it had suspended commercial imports of hay and straw from German owing to the risks of carrying disease.

A case of FMD was identified in a herd of water buffalo near Berlin on 10 January – this was the first FMD outbreak in the EU since 2011.

Defra imposed restrictions as a result, on the import of susceptible animals. FMD can affect cows, sheep, goats, all other ruminants and pigs. Horses are not susceptible but can carry and transfer the disease, as can people and transport.

“Therefore, it is advised that anyone travelling to Germany with horses does not not come back with locally bought hay and straw,” a spokesperson for British Equestrian (BEF) said.

“Additionally, measures should be taken while in Germany to ensure that horses do not have contact with wild boar or deer, who could be infected with the disease, or have access to livestock pasture.

“Due to the safeguarding measures in place, horses travelling into the UK from Europe may be stopped on entry and any hay and bedding on board, including haynets, may be held. It’s advised that proof of purchase is made available for inspection.”

The BEF advises that on horses’ return home, strict biosecurity measures should be applied and vehicles thoroughly cleaned.

“These measures will continue to apply until they are revoked or amended by Defra,” the spokesperson said.

When Defra imposed the initial restrictions, farming minister Daniel Zeichner said: “The Government will do whatever it takes to protect our nation’s farmers from the risk posed by foot and mouth disease.

“That is why restrictions have immediately been brought in on animal products from Germany to prevent an outbreak and we will not hesitate to add additional countries to the list if the disease spreads. We will continue to keep the situation under review working closely with the German authorities.”

The last FMD outbreak in the UK was in 2007 and it was quickly contained. In 2001, a major UK outbreak affected more than 2,000 premises and led to the cancellation of events including Badminton Horse Trials and the Cheltenham Festival.

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Mock foot and mouth outbreak successfully managed by Defra

Horse & Hound — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:30:27 +0000

The horseworld need not grind to a halt in the face of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) or infectious equine disease, say vets taking part in a simulated outbreak.

Defra, Animal Health and the Scottish and Welsh governments mocked-up a real-time outbreak of FMD on 9-10 November.

“Operation Silver Birch” imagined an outbreak of FMD in Northallerton, North Yorks, that swiftly spread.

Although Operation Silver Birch was just an exercise, it demonstrated Defra’s wish to allow businesses to continue trading, except those in the 3km protective zone around an infected property.

Vet and retired chief executive of the Horse Trust Brigadier Paul Jepson was equestrianism’s representative on the operation.

He told H&H: “The 2001 FMD outbreak closed down much of the countryside for months, which achieved nothing — Defra is not going to do that again.

“Although FMD is not an equine disease [the exercise] gave me confidence that they can deal efficiently with an equine disease outbreak.”

In a break from previous protocol, Defra allowed local authorities more responsibility for deciding what restrictions should be in place in their areas.

A dummy press statement put out by Defra as part of the exercise stated that footpaths and bridleways across the infected premises were closed, but within the protection zone horses could still move, with a licence.

Outside the protection zone, it was “business as usual”.

But Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons president Peter Jinman, who observed the exercise, said although horse activities would not be officially banned, it may be inappropriate for them to carry on.

“Horse owners would need to be sympathetic to the needs of their farming neighbours,” said Mr Jinman.

During the 2007 outbreak, horse owners imposed their own restrictions and precautions.

He called for an exercise based on an outbreak of exotic horse disease, like West Nile Virus or African Horse Sickness.

“Unlike FMD, the majority of equine diseases have an insect vector [carrier] and the horseworld is very different from agriculture,” added Mr Jinman.

Hunting would still come to a halt as soon as an FMD outbreak was suspected.

Defra and Animal Health did not wish to comment in detail about operation Silver Birch.

An official report will be released early next year.

This article was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound, 18 November ’10

Have your say over government ‘horse tax’

Horse & Hound — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:45:12 +0000

EXPERTS are urging all horse owners to take part in a government consultation over plans to introduce an annual “tax” on farm animals — possibly to include horses.

Defra is proposing to set up an independent body of animal health and industry experts to take decisions on animal health issues — for example on future outbreaks of diseases from foot-and-mouth to African horse sickness (AHS).

If it goes ahead, the scheme would start in 2012 and, if horses are included, Defra estimates each animal would cost about £10.50 per year. This sum would be in addition to current passport costs and would contribute towards dealing with exotic diseases.

A Defra spokesman was keen to stress that the plans were in very early stages, saying that although government documents state the fee “could also cover horses and their keepers” it does not mean they will definitely be included.

But she added: “The main rule of thumb remains that all keepers of disease-susceptible species should contribute to the costs of exotic disease control unless there are compelling reasons as to why they should not.”

The British Horse Society (BHS) has cautioned against any further financial burdens being placed on horse owners in the current economic climate unless there were very clear and necessarily reasons for doing so.

BHS director of welfare Mark Weston said: “I would urge all horse owners to take part in the consultation process.”

The consultation ends in June. Visit: www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/foodfarming.htm
Share your views in the H&H forum or write to h&hletters@ipcmedia.com.

Read this story in full, including opinion from the Horse Trust and BEVA, in the current issue of Horse & Hound (16 April, ’09)

Foot and mouth surveillance zone to be lifted

Horse & Hound — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:07:10 +0000

On Monday, 5 November, the foot-and-mouth surveillance zone will be lifted.

Extensive surveillance has been completed within the zone, and no further cases have been diagnosed.

But the restricted zone and its movement restrictions will remain in place for the time being.

Fred Landeg, Defra’s deputy chief veterinary officer, said: “Animal Health has completed extensive work in the FMD surveillance zone and the negative results allow us to lift this zone.

“However, farmers must remain vigilant and continue to check their animals for signs of disease twice daily.”

New transport law delayed

Horse & Hound — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:53:01 +0000

EU laws on the transportation of animals, which require professionals to pass a certificate in transport, will not be enforced until April, Defra has revealed, not the 5 January deadline originally set. But it has warned that horse transporters should not use this as an excuse to delay qualifying.

Secretary of state Hilary Benn said no action will be taken against transporters who are not in possession of competence certificates by January because of the effects of foot-and-mouth (FMD) and bluetongue. This agreement extends until the end of April 2008.

But a Defra spokesman has warned horse transporters are not included in this waiver unless they were unable to take the certificate due to FMD or bluetongue restrictions.

Foot and mouth: how it happened

Horse & Hound — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 10:04:28 +0000

3 Aug: foot and mouth disease confirmed at farm near Guildford, Surrey. 3km protection and 10km surveillance zones placed around the premises. GB-wide national movement ban of ruminants and pigs imposed. Hunting ceases

9 Aug: live animals to slaughter and collection of dead animals from farms permitted outside protection and surveillance zones

21 Aug: hunting resumes. Horses can move into or out of protection zone and between premises within protection zone under licence

23 Aug: animal exports resume to EU. FMD movement restrictions lifted

3 Sep: markets for cattle, sheep, and pigs resume in England and Wales, outside surveillance zone. Animals susceptible to FMD can be taken outside the surveillance zone

7 Sep: all FMD restrictions dropped

12 Sep: hunting ceases again — news of suspected outbreak in Norfolk

14 Sep: two cases confirmed in Surrey

21 Sep: sixth FMD case within protection zone

24 Sep: seventh case confirmed in Surrey zone

4 Oct: markets resume in low-risk areas

12 Oct: DEFRA prepares to lift the FMD protection zone in Surrey and other movement restrictions across Britain on Wednesday, 17 October, provided there is no change to the disease situation

15 Oct: 2,160 animals have been culled in the outbreak so far and DEFRA offers £12.5m “aid package” to farmers

17 Oct: hunting resumes across the UK

Read more about the outbreak of foot and mouth disease

Hunting resumes as foot and mouth restrictions lift

Horse & Hound — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 08:59:23 +0000

Hunting around the UK resumes today (17 October) following DEFRA’s lifting of foot-and-mouth animal movement restrictions in England and Wales. Hunting, shooting and stalking are now permitted across the UK.

The high and low risk foot-and-mouth (FMD) zones and protection zones have been abolished — another sign of growing confidence that the disease is under control.

Restrictions are expected to remain in the surveillance zone until at least 5 November, but subject to continual review.

“We’re never 100% confident, but all the signs are good,” said a DEFRA spokesman. “The decision has been taken following extensive surveillance in the area, and is in line with EU rules.”

Restrictions are expected to remain in the protection zone until at least 5 November, subject to continual review.

See how the foot and mouth situation has developed over recent weeks.
Send your opening meet details and photos to hheditor@ipcmedia.com for inclusion in an online gallery to celebrate the start of the hunting season

Read the MFHA’s thoughts on the lifting of restrictions, plus the views of hunts closest to the foot and mouth outbreak, in tomorrow’s Horse & Hound (18 October, ’07)

Foot and mouth risk area reduced

Charlotte White — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:16:54 +0000

Defra has today (Monday) announced that Kent, Essex, East Sussex, Southend, Thurrock, Medway, Brighton and Hove will be removed from the foot and mouth disease (FMD) risk area.

From midnight tonight these counties will fall within the FMD low risk area and be subject to the movement controls that apply in this area.

This decision follows a veterinary risk assessment revealing no evidence of movements of FMD susceptible animals to, or have cause to suspect FMD in, those counties.

Areas remaining within the FMD Risk Area (West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Greater London) are kept under constant review.

This decision means that livestock keepers in these areas will now be able to move animals from farm to farm.

Pigs will also be allowed to move an unlimited distance. The control measures in place within the Bluetongue Protection Zone remain unchanged.

Movement to market in foot and mouth ‘low risk areas’

Charlotte White — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:33:58 +0000

Defra is to amend the current foot and mouth disease (FMD) restrictions so that, subject to no further changes to the disease situation, movements to livestock markets in the low risk Area will be permitted from Thursday 4 October.

The low risk area covers all England, Wales and Scotland excepting Essex, Kent, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Greater London.

The allowed movement will be subject to stringent biosecurity measures, and the current control measures in the FMD risk area remain in place.

In addition, following negative laboratory results the Foot and Mouth disease temporary control zone in the Maidenhead area has now lifted. Laboratory tests also show that the strain of FMD found on the seventh infected premises is the same strain as that found on the other premises in Surrey.

Defra has also today received positive test results for bluetongue for a fifth animal on a fourth premises near Burstall, Suffolk. This animal will be culled.

Animal movements allowed in FMD “low risk zone”

Charlotte White — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:23:21 +0000

Farmers are now allowed to move animals off farm if they are within the new foot-and-mouth (FMD) low risk zone, but two new bluetongue zones have been set up after four confirmed cases in Suffolk.

Defra says there are currently seven FMD infected premises, all within the Egham area, and a temporary control zone at Maidenhead.

Two new foot and mouth risk areas came into effect on Tuesday 25 September.

They are a risk area consisting of Essex, Kent, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Greater London.

And a low risk area covering the rest of England, Wales and Scotland.

In England, farm to farm movements were allowed from 3.30pm Tuesday 25 September under stringent conditions and subject to high levels of biosecurity with enforcement by Local Authorities.

But there are still restrictions for horse riders.

Hunting and point-to-point meetings are banned across the country, as are gatherings of animals (even horses).

Horses may not be ridden into a protection zone, even by road and you must not transport your horse into a protection zone, even to see a vet.

You may transport your horse through a protection zone, but you must do so only without breaking your journey.

There are now two bluetongue zones, one covers Norfolk and Suffolk and the other is temporary surveillance zone covering adjoining counties.

But Defra does not yet class it as an outbreak.

Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects sheep, cattle, goats and deer and camelids like llama and alpaca.

It is transmitted by midges and direct transmission between animals is not possible.

Bluetongue does not affect horses, ponies or donkeys or humans.

Foot and mouth news

Horse & Hound — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:20:44 +0000

Foot and mouth: how it happened [19 October, 2007]

Hunting resumes as foot and mouth restrictions lift [17 October, 2007]

Foot and mouth risk area reduced [1 October, 2007]

Movement to market in foot-and-mouth ‘low risk areas’ [28 September, 2007]

Animal movements allowed in FMD “low risk zone” [27 September, 2007]

Foot and mouth outbreak: show news and cancellations [25 September, 2007]

New foot and mouth control zones in Hampshire [24 September, 2007]

Foot and mouth surveillance zone lifted in Solihull [21 September, 2007]

Hunts count the cost of foot and mouth [21 September, 2007]

HOYS on track unless foot and mouth is confirmed [20 September, 2007]

London’s racecourses stay open despite foot-and-mouth [13 September, 2007]

Hunting and competitions hit by foot-and-mouth [12 September, 2007]

Defra’s foot and mouth guidance notes for horse owners [12 September, 2007]

Foot-and-mouth confirmed in Surrey [12 September, 2007]

Suspected case of foot-and-mouth in Surrey [12 September, 2007]

First 2007 outbreak

Horses can again move freely between the UK, France and Ireland [31 August, 2007]

“Business as usual” for hunts after foot and mouth [24 August, 2007]

Horse movement allowed within foot and mouth restricted zone [21 August, 2007]

Foot and mouth outbreak: show news and cancellations [20 August, 2007]

Horse owners chide DEFRA over foot-and-mouth [16 August, 2007]

Horse owners finally get guidance on foot and mouth [15 August, 2007]

New foot and mouth exclusion zone in Kent [14 August, 2007]

Foot and mouth: readers’ experiences [14 August, 2007]

Hunts told: you can pick up fallen stock [11 August, 2007]

Clarification on movement licences for horses [10 August, 2007]

Merial says “no interruption to supply of horse medicines” [9 August, 2007]

Confusion over collection of dead animals [9 August, 2007]

BHS urges riders in Surrey to stay at home [8 August, 2007]

Hacking illegal in foot and mouth protection zone [8 August, 2007]

What to do during the foot and mouth outbreak [8 August, 2007]

EC issues new rules on travelling horses abroad [7 August, 2007]

Foot-and-mouth back in Britain [7 August, 2007]

Useful external links

New foot and mouth control zones in Hampshire

Charlotte White — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:12:17 +0000

A further foot and mouth disease temporary control zone has today been set up on premises in Petersfield, Hampshire.

Defra says there are currently six infected premises, a temporary control zone on the Hampshire/West Sussex border and a further temporary control zone has today been established at a premises in Hampshire.

A slaughter on suspicion for foot and mouth disease is taking place at a premises within the existing Egham Protection Zone.

Defra has also today published the latest foot and mouth disease epidemiology report produced by the National Epidemiology Emergency Group.

It concludes that there is a link between the August and September cases with a premises probably being infected by mechanical transmission, either from the Pirbright site or one of the first two outbreaks in the Elstead area.

Two foot and mouth risk areas will come into effect from 3.30pm tomorrow (Tuesday 25 September).

Risk Area: consisting of Essex, Kent, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Greater London.

Low Risk Area: The rest of England, Wales and Scotland. In England, farm to farm movements will be allowed also from 3.30pm Tuesday 25 September under stringent conditions and subject to high levels of biosecurity with enforcement by Local Authorities.

Foot and mouth surveillance zone lifted in Solihull

Horse & Hound — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 11:59:12 +0000

Last night, the temporary foot-and-mouth control zone around a farm in Solihull was lifted, following the return of negative lab results.

The premises under surveillance was only a few miles from Birmingham’s NEC arena, which is due to host the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) from 3 to 7 October.

This morning, the HOYS team confirmed that that planning process for the show had been unaffected during the 36hr period of surveillance.

“HOYS will commence, as scheduled, on Wednesday 3 Ocobter,” said a spokesman.

For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.hoys.co.uk

Hunts count the cost of foot and mouth

Horse & Hound — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:31:46 +0000

The hunting community is starting to count the cost of the latest foot-and-mouth outbreak. With autumn hunting currently on hold, some hunts are looking at other ways to raise money.

“Most people have not yet paid their subscriptions, and inevitably there will be fallout from those who decide not to hunt this year,” said Stephen Lambert, chairman of the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) and of the Heythrop. “Autumn hunting produces good income, as well as a chance to collect subs.

“Masters and chairmen have to be imaginative in controlling costs and generating income.

“The Heythrop is looking for extra work for kennel staff — among numerous skills, we offer fencing, carpentry, metalwork and gardening. During the 2000 FMD outbreak, we saved a considerable amount this way.”

The Surrey Union was at the centre of last month’s outbreak, and delayed sending out subs forms as a result. Senior master Mark Sprake said people need to show “moral compunction”.

“Anyone not planning to subscribe who normally would, should be embarrassed,” said Mr Sprake. “Hunts incur costs if they’re going out or not.”

Read this news report in full in the current issue of Horse & Hound (20 September, ’07)

HOYS on track unless foot and mouth is confirmed

Horse & Hound — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:04:09 +0000

Horse of the Year Show director Mark Wein says it’s “business as usual” until foot-and-mouth is confirmed in Solihull.

A temporary foot-and-mouth exclusion zone was set up around a farm in Solihull yesterday afternoon. The new zone is within miles of Birmingham’s NEC arena, which hosts HOYS next month (3-7 October).

DEFRA is still awaiting final test results for FMD on the Solihull farm. But, significantly, no animals have been slaughtered in the area, which might indicate that worries are unfounded.

A DEFRA spokesman told H&H the test results will be returned sometime today.

HOYS director Mark Wein said: “It’s business as usual with HOYS until we’ve had it confirmed, and even if we do there may be extenuating circumstances.

“The NEC land does just touch the temporary zone but it’s quite sterile because it’s all motorways and so on.”

For further updates, visit www.horseandhound.co.uk

London’s racecourses stay open despite foot-and-mouth

Horse & Hound — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:47:08 +0000

Four racecourses and one racehorse trainer lie within the new foot-and-mouth (FMD) surveillance zone. But all can continue with business as usual, provided they carry out appropriate biosecurity measures.

Racing continued at Kempton Park last night — just miles from the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Egham, Surrey — but every car and horsebox coming onto the racecourse was disinfected.

Racing will also continue at Ascot, Sandown Park and Windsor — with vehicle disinfection also a priority.

One trainer lies within the FMD 10km surveillance zone, but the British Horseracing Authority has allowed him to continue to have runners, provided he carries out “appropriate biosecurity measures” on his horses before they leave the yard.

Hunting and competitions hit by foot-and-mouth

Horse & Hound — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:37:26 +0000

Hunting across the UK is again on hold, and several equestrian events have already been cancelled, following the re-introduction of foot-and-mouth controls.

A new case of foot-and-mouth (FMD) confirmed this afternoon in Egham, Surrey means no hunting activity with hounds can take place on farmland across the UK until further notice.

Hunts are again banned from picking up fallen stock, other than horses, and nor can it be delivered to kennels.

The FMD case in Egham has also forced the closure of Guards Polo Club in Windsor, and the cancellation of the British Horse Driving Trials Association (BHDTA) national championships, due to take place this weekend in Windsor. Windsor Great Park has been closed, on account of its deer herd.

Although horses cannot catch foot-and-mouth, they can, like humans, dogs and vehicles, carry it.

Horses within the 3km protection zone that are kept on the same premises as susceptible animals (ruminants such as deer, sheep, pigs and cattle) must not be moved.

Horses within the PZ not kept on the same premises as susceptible animals can, at present, be ridden on roads, but not on public rights of way.

No horses can, at present, leave the foot-and-mouth PZ. To read Defra’s advice for horse owners in full, click here.

There is likely to be an impact on the import and export of horses from the UK, with further increases in export paperwork likely. The free movement of horses between France and Ireland, under legislation known as the Tripartite agreement, may also cease as Ireland reintroduces FMD controls.

For more information on cancellations of shows and events, keep up to date via www.horseandhound.co.uk

Foot and mouth outbreak advice for riders

Horse & Hound — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:45:07 +0000

Introduction

1. This guidance note is aimed at people owning, keeping, or working with horses kept for recreational purposes in England, during an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. It explains what restrictions apply, and recommends the precautions you should take to minimise the risk of spreading disease.

2. Restrictions and advice change during an outbreak, so if you are in any doubt, please check the Defra website (www.defra.gov.uk) or the Defra helpline (08459 33 55 77) for the latest position.

Background

3. Horses are not susceptible to infection by foot-and-mouth disease, and they cannot carry the virus in the same way as susceptible animals, such as sheep and cattle. However, in common with other non-susceptible animals (such as dogs and cats), people and inanimate objects (such as cars), they can be involved in physically spreading infection.

4. Material from an infected animal (dung, hair etc.) can be carried on hooves, bodies and tack of horses and by the rider. It could be carried from areas containing infected animals to previously ‘clean’ areas.

5. The risk of horses carrying the virus is increased because horses are often kept on the same premises as susceptible animals , transported in vehicles used for moving susceptible animals, have contact with susceptible animals on neighbouring farms, or are handled by persons who also have contact with susceptible animals. There are therefore significantly tighter controls on the keeping of horses in a Protection Zone, than apply, say, to persons keeping dogs at home.

6. But the risk also varies greatly according to the particular circumstances: so, for example, a horse which is always kept on premises with no contact with susceptible livestock, and which is handled by persons who do not have contact with susceptible animals, will not pose a significantly greater risk as a medium for transmission than, say, a car or bicycle. Whereas a horse kept on a livestock farm will pose a much greater risk, and much more stringent precautions must be taken.

Legal requirements

7. In this guidance note, we have drawn special attention to requirements which you must follow, and advice which you are asked to follow. Where this guidance note says that you must or must not do something, it means that this is a requirement under the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (England) Order 2006 . If you do not observe these requirements, you may commit an offence, and the local authority may take enforcement action against you. In each case, a footnote shows which provision of the Order creates the offence.

8. Where advice is given which is not a requirement, this is based on accepted good practice and is designed to assist horse owners to play their part in preventing the disease from spreading.

9. Advice to persons keeping, riding or looking after horses varies depends on where the horse is kept:

Protection Zones are declared in the vicinity (a radius of at least three kilometres) of an infected premises — usually, a farm where diseased livestock have been found. Special guidance in relation to horses kept in a Protection Zone is contained further below.
Surveillance Zones are declared in the vicinity (a radius of at least ten kilometres, but outside the Protection Zone) of an infected premises.
Outside of any Protection Zones and Surveillance Zone, some activities are also prohibited in a Restricted Zone. During an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the whole of Great Britain is likely to be declared a Restricted Zone. However, this guidance note only gives advice about the position in England.

10. In some cases, it may be possible to do something which is normally prohibited, under licence from an inspector or veterinary inspector. We have marked the text with an “(L)” where this is the case — but this does not mean that you are entitled to obtain a licence: it will depend on the circumstances. Specific licences may be issued in exceptional circumstances (e.g. to alleviate extreme welfare problems). Please contact the local Animal Health Divisional Office if you require further information on specific licences (see the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/about-us/contact-us/animal-health-offices.htm for a list of offices, or contact the Defra helpline: 08459 33 55 77). Some licences are issued for general purposes: you can see a list of general licences on the Defra website, at:

www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/movements/index.htm.

General requirements

11. This section is aimed at people with horses kept outside a Protection or Surveillance Zone. There are few restrictions affecting people with horses outside these zones. However, the following do apply:

You must not organise or take part in hunting a drag or other trail (L) .
You must not ride into a Protection Zone, even on a road (L) .
You must not transport your horse into a Protection Zone, even to see a vet (L) .
You may transport your horse through a Protection Zone, but you must do so only without breaking your journey.

12. If you need to take your horse to see a vet whose premises is located in a Protection Zone, please contact your vet. Your vet will be able to discuss alternative arrangements with you.

General advice

13. Veterinary advice is that the risk of transmission of disease arising from horse riders using rights of way and open land outside Protection Zones is negligible, and does not justify the closure of paths. However, path users, whether on foot, horseback or on cycle, should take sensible precautions to minimise any residual risk, and to maintain confidence. These precautions should also be taken when using unfenced roads across grazing land (e.g. common land):

Avoid straying from paths onto adjoining land.
Avoid riding among or through livestock — ride around if possible.
Never touch or handle livestock.
Avoid taking dogs where there may be livestock (cattle, in particular, are curious, and may approach dogs).
Try to avoid riding through manure and slurry.
Take any waste, including food, home (however, horse droppings cannot harbour foot-and-mouth disease, and do not pose a risk).
Try to use any disinfectant pads which the land manager provides.

Advice in relation to horses kept in a Surveillance Zone

14. This section is aimed at people with horses kept inside a Surveillance Zone (but not within a Protection Zone). Again, there are few specific requirements affecting these people or their horses, but the following do apply:

You must not organise or take part in hunting a drag or other trail (L) .
If you take a dog with you, you must keep it under close control .
You must not transport manure from premises where susceptible animals are kept (L) .
You must not ride into a Protection Zone, even on a road (L) .
You must not transport your horse into a Protection Zone, even to see a vet (L) .
You may transport your horse through a Protection Zone, but you must do so only without breaking your journey.

15. The good practice guidance at paragraph 13 above on riding on paths is particularly important in a Surveillance Zone. Please try to follow it.

16. If you need to take your horse to see a vet whose premises is located in a Protection Zone, please contact your vet. Your vet will be able to discuss alternative arrangements with you.

Advice in relation to horses kept in a Protection Zone

17. This section is aimed at people with horses kept in a Protection Zone. The need to take precautionary measures is greater if you keep your horse on the same premises as susceptible animals (such as cattle and sheep). So some of the advice and requirements below apply only in relation to horses kept on the same premises as susceptible animals. This guidance does not cover all the rules which apply in a Protection Zone, only those which are likely to be relevant to those keeping horses in a Protection Zone (further details of the rules applying within a Protection Zone can be obtained from the Defra website, www.defra.gov.uk).

18. The following general rules apply:

You must not organise or take part in hunting a drag or other trail, or point-to-point meetings.
You must not hold any gathering of animals (even horses).
If you have a dog with you, you must keep it under close control.

Horses kept on premises without susceptible animals

19. If you do not keep your horse on the same premises as susceptible animals:

You may ride on roads (unless they are closed) — there is no greater likelihood of you or your horse spreading infection by riding on the road, than a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian.
You must not ride on any public rights of way or other paths which are closed (L) . Where rights of way or paths remain open, try to avoid riding on land used for grazing livestock since the beginning of July.
If you are riding out (on roads, or open paths), leave your dog behind.
You must not ride or take your horse out of the Protection Zone (L) , even to see a vet.

20. If roads or paths through grazing land remain open in a Protection Zone, and if you cannot avoid riding on them, then the good practice guidance at paragraph 13 above on riding on paths is very important. Please try to follow it.

Horses kept on the same premises as susceptible animals

21. If you do keep your horse on the same premises as susceptible animals:

You must not allow your horse to leave the premises (L) , even to see a vet.
You must not bring any horse onto the premises from elsewhere (L) .
You must not move a horsebox from the premises (L) .
You must not arrange for fodder to be brought on to the premises (L) , but a general licence has been given for this purpose under certain conditions — see
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/movements/index.htm.
You must not transport manure from the premises (L) .
You must not spread manure on the premises or elsewhere (L) .

22. In addition, before and after riding you should:

Avoid contact with livestock.
Keep horses away from livestock.
Comply with the farm’s own disease control precautions.
Disinfect your footwear.
Disinfect the outside of any item that may have been in contact with other articles in general use on a farm.
Clean and disinfect the horse’s feet.
Either keep a set of dedicated riding clothes on the farm premises or arrive in clean clothes on every occasion.
Where possible leave vehicles outside farms or close to the farm boundary and away from livestock.

23. If you need to take your horse to see a vet, please contact your vet. Your vet will be able to discuss alternative arrangements with you (for example, your vet may be able to treat your horse on the premises, or it may be possible to obtain a licence to enable your horse to be moved).

Horses on infected premises

24. The restrictions applying to horses kept on the same premises as susceptible animals also apply to those kept on farms where outbreaks have been confirmed. There is, however, no question of these horses being slaughtered, because they are not affected by foot-and-mouth disease.

25. You must not allow your horse to leave an infected farm (L), even to see a vet, until the restrictions on that farm are removed .

Notes published by Defra on 14 August 2007 (Version 1.0)

Foot-and-mouth confirmed in Surrey

Horse & Hound — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:30:57 +0000

Britain’s countryside has been again put on hold with the confirmation of a new case of foot-and-mouth in Egham, Surrey.

Initial tests taken from cattle on the farm in Surrey have this afternoon been confirmed by DEFRA as positive for foot-and-mouth.

The farm comprises a number of separate parcels of land, and a single protection zone (PZ) has been put in place. The PZ extends a three kilometre radius from each piece of land, and a surveillance zone (SZ) has been put in place beyond that, for a further 10km.

All footpaths and bridleways within the FMD PZ have been closed.

A movement ban of cattle, sheep and pigs and other ruminants has now been imposed across England, with Wales and Scotland expected to follow shortly.

Secretary of State Hilary Benn said: “This is the news that no one wanted to hear, least of all the farming industry.”

The Country Land and Business Association echoed these sentiments.

“Just when rural businesses and farmers were due some respite from a difficult summer for their businesses, this news is the last thing they need,” said CLA president David Fursdon.

“We need to get to the bottom of this outbreak extremely quickly. DEFRA have again acted efficiently and we will continue to work closely with them to help contain this outbreak and minimise disruption.”

Stay up to date with the latest news on the foot-and-mouth outbreak, including details of cancelled shows, on Horseandhound.co.uk

Foot and mouth outbreak: show cancellations

Horse & Hound — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:13:46 +0000

Send your foot and mouth disease cancellations and special measures information to H&Hnews@ipcmedia.com for inclusion here.

More shows cancelled at Sparsholt College [17:30, 18 October ’07]

In accordance with advice from DEFRA regarding continuing foot and mouth restrictions in Hampshire, Sparsholt College has cancelled all shows at the Equine Centre up to and including Monday 5 November. If the curent restrictions are lifted on 5 November then the British Dressage show on Saturday 10 November and the unaffiliated dressage show on Sunday 18 November will go ahead.

Guy Salmon Show Jumping Grand Prix cancelled [12:30, 10 October ’07]

The Guy Salmon Show Jumping Grand Prix due to take place at Long Reach Events in Surrey on 14 October has been cancelled. The event had been postponed from its original date, but with no change in the foot and mouth protection zone, the event organisers have decided that it cannot go ahead.

Bicester and Whaddon Chase Hound Club ride rescheduled [13:00, 8 October ’07]

The postponed Bicester and Whaddon Chase Hound Club sponsored ride at Kirtlington Park, Near Bicester, has been rescheduled for Sunday 28 October.

Arab Horse Society Marathon cancelled [15:45, 3 October ’07]

The Marathon Committee have decided to cancel the 2007 Marathon. At the current time, a ban on riding on Salisbury Plain is in place and the organisers do not know when this will be lifted. The organisers would like to thank everyone who has donated money and time to the event and look forward to setting a date for 2008 as soon as possible.

Sparsholt College dressage shows cancelled [11:30, 28 September ’07]

All events scheduled to take place up to and including 19 October at Sparsholt College equine centre have been cancelled. This includes the BD affiliated show on Sunday 7 October and the unaffiliated dressage show on Sat 13 October. It is hoped that the events after 20 October will take place as planned.

Update [10:30, 2 October ’07]

The BD affiliated show, including combined training classes, due to take place on 7 October has been re-scheduled to Friday 4 January.

Knighton Farm unaffiliated dressage cancelled [14:30, 26 September ’07]

The unaffiliated dressage competition at Knighton Farm, Wimborne, Dorset on 7 October has been cancelled. The event organisers are hoping to go ahead with the planned date on 10 November.

Borde Hill Horse Trials cancelled [13:30, 26 September ’07]

Borde Hill Horse Trials, which was due to be held on 6-7 October, has been cancelled.

Rockbourne Horse Driving Trials cancelled [10:15, 25 September ’07]

The White Horse Harness Club and Southern Champs due to take place at Rockbourne Farm on 29-30 September has been cancelled due to the land owner having sheep on his farm, and a large dairy herd immediately next door.

Blackbury Castle Hunter Trials cancelled [10:15, 24 September ’07]

The Blackbury Castle Hunter Trials in aid of Axe Vale Harriers, due to take place at Lovehayne Farm, Southleigh, Colyton, Devon on 30 September 2007, has been cancelled.

Berks & Bucks Draghounds Hunter Trial cancelled [17:45, 20 September ’07]

The Berks & Bucks Draghounds Hunter Trial at Kingsclere on 6-7 October has been cancelled due to the ongoing foot-and-mouth situation.

Surrey Union hunt events cancelled [10:45, 20 September ’07]

The sponsored ride that was due to take place at Stilemans, Munstead, Nr Godalming on 14 October has been cancelled, as has the hunt’s puppy show.

Long Reach Events cancelled [09:15, 19 September ’07]

The following events at Long Reach Events have been cancelled:

Saturday 29 September – Novice Show Jumping
Sunday 30 September – Show Jumping
Sunday 14 October – Mini Height Cross Country

The show jumping grand prix has been re-scheduled to Sunday 14 October 2007, subject to the foot and mouth protection zone being lifted.

Rockbourne pleasure ride cancelled [11:00, 18 September ’07]

The Rockbourne pleasure ride due to take place on Sunday 23 September has been cancelled on the request of the land owner.

Atherstone Hunt Team Chase cancelled [16:00, 17 September ’07]

The Atherstone Hunt Team Chase event to be held at Highfield House Farm on Sunday 23 September has been cancelled. The hunt is hoping to hold another equine activity on the day instead. Visit www.atherstonehunt.com for more details.

Bowland BHS TREC competition cancelled [17:00, 14 September ’07]

The Bowland BHS TREC competition in Lancashire on 15 September has been cancelled at the request of the landowners.

St Ebba’s BHS TREC competition cancelled [17:00, 14 September ’07]

The St Ebba’s BHS TREC competition at Epsom, Surrey on 16 September has been cancelled on the advice of DEFRA because of its location in Surrey and the nature of the event.

Badworthy BHS TREC competition cancelled [17:00, 14 September ’07]

Badworthy BHS TREC competition in Devon (15/16 September) has been cancelled at the request of the landowners.

Berkshire College of Agriculture (2) BE event cancelled [12:00, 14 September ’07]

The second BE event due be held this year at the Berkshire College of Agriculture, Maidenhead, Berkshire (Tuesday 25 to Wednesday 26 September 2007) has been cancelled due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Tedworth Fun Ride cancelled [18:00, 13 September, ’07]

The Tedworth Fun Ride which was due to be held in Rushall, Wilts on Sunday 16 September has been cancelled.

Merrist Wood Arena – shows going ahead [11:30, 13 September]

Merrist Wood, Surrey is located on the edge of the surveillance zone, but plans to continue running events as normal with disinfecting procedures in place.

Bourne Valley Riding Club Hunter Trial cancelled [11:30, 13 September]

The BVRC hunter trial which was due to be held at Larkhill on 16 September has been cancelled. The MoD have closed Salisbury Plain.

Old Berks Hunt fun ride cancelled [10:15, 13 September]

The Old Berks Hunt Fun Ride on Sunday 16 September has been cancelled, as has all hunting until further notice.

National Driving Trials championship cancelled [16:45, 12 September ’07]

The British Horse Driving Trials Association (BHDTA) national championships, which were due to be held at Queen Victoria’s Review Ground in Windsor Great Park on 14-16 September have been cancelled. The championship site is within the 10km control zone impossed by DEFRA.

Update [10:15, 13 September, ’07] – This event will now take place at Catton Park on 21-23 September. Please can all competitors contact Barry Hilditch (tel: 01924 848951) to confirm their attendance by Saturday 15 September.

Studio Arts Television are donating £5 from every copy of their new DVD video of Lowther Driving Trials 2007 to help BHDTA funds, which have been hit by the cancellation of the event at Windsor. The DVD will be on sale at Catton Hall price £14.99 or can be purchased online at www.coastandcountrydvd.com

Three Rivers Endurance Ride cancelled [17:15, 12 September ’07]

Endurance GB has announced that the Three Rivers Ride on 16 September has now been cancelled at the request of landowners.

Polo at Guards Polo Club cancelled [17:00, 12 September ’07]

Games that are affected include the remaining league matches and finals of the 10-12-goal Kerry Packer Trophy and the three-day Chairman’s Tournament. These finals, which were due to be played on Sunday 16 September, are the club’s last games of the 2007 season. The club had also planned to host an asado for all its members on the Clubhouse Lawn on Sunday afternoon to mark the end of the season, but that too has been cancelled.

Royal County of Berkshire Show [10:50, 20 August, ’07]

The organisers of The Royal County of Berkshire Show (Newbury showground, Newbury 15-16 September 2007) have cancelled the livestock section of the show although the remainder of the programme, including the horse classes, will still go ahead.

Suspected case of foot-and-mouth in Surrey

Horse & Hound — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:05:06 +0000

DEFRA has set up a temporary control zone in Surrey following another suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease.

The three-mile exclusion zone has been set up around Egham in Surrey, 30 miles from the outbreak in August.

A DEFRA spokesman told H&H that test results from the farm are due back later today.

“But we can’t confirm when,” said the spokesman.

DEFRA is expected to release more details on the suspected FMD case, and its implications, later this morning.

Keep up to date on the situation on www.horseandhound.co.uk

Horses can again move freely between the UK, France and Ireland

Horse & Hound — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:04:25 +0000

As more foot-and-mouth restrictions are eased, horses are moving freely between the UK, Ireland and France once more.

Under legislation known as the Tripartite Agreement, horses can normally travel between the three countries without any export paperwork. But earlier this month, following the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Surrey, extra veterinary certification was introduced.

The European Commission amended its control measures last week, and France Galop, France’s horseracing authority, lifted its own restrictions earlier this week.

On Monday, 3 September, livestock markets will be resumed and cattle, sheep and pigs will also be allowed to travel to agricultural shows.

DEFRA chief veterinary officer Debby Reynolds said: “Having considered carefully a veterinary risk assessment of allowing animals to move to livestock markets and agricultural shows, I have concluded that these can restart from Monday as part of our staged risk-based approach to easing movement controls.

“A number of additional conditions apply while the surveillance zone remains in place and it is critical that these are adhered to strictly by everyone involved. This represents another milestone in the good progress we are making towards regaining our disease free status.”

“Business as usual” for hunts after foot and mouth

Horse & Hound — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:26:16 +0000

Hunts around the UK can resume business following today’s relaxation of foot and mouth (FMD) control measures.

At noon today, DEFRA lifted the control zones in Surrey placed around the two farms affected by foot and mouth on 3 August.

A temporary 5km “biosecurity area” has been put in place around Pirbright.

DEFRA head veterinary officer Debby Reynolds said: “The temporary area is a precautionary measure while we await the conclusions of the investigation [into the cause of the outbreak].”

The easing of the FMD measures means hunts can now collect and dispose of fallen stock in the normal manner, and that carcases can be fed to hounds.

The lifting of the measures also means that trail and drag hunting is permitted.

Director of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, Alastair Jackson, greeted the news warmly. He said huntsmen and kennel-huntsmen around the UK have been informed this morning.

DEFRA allows horse movements within foot and mouth restricted zone

Abigail Butcher — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:06:51 +0000

DEFRA has today issued a general licence allowing the movement of horses into and out of the foot-and-mouth (FMD) protection zone (pz).

Since foot-and-mouth disease was identified on a farm in Surrey on 3 August, all equines in the immediate area have been grounded.

While the rest of the country has continued to hack and compete, adhering where necessary to FMD bio-security rules, the horses within the 3km protection zone have been unable to move.

This afternoon, 21 August, DEFRA has issued a general licence, allowing those horses within the PZ to be moved into or out of the zone, as long as various conditions are met.

Today’s licence also allows horses to be moved from or to premises within the protection zone where susceptible animals (such as cows, sheep, pigs and deer) are kept, provided the conditions of the licence are met.

Hacking on the roads is also now allowed within the PZ, though hacking on bridlepaths and other public rights of way and land that is closed, is still not allowed.

To view the full licence, visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/pdf/generallicence-horses-pz.pdf

Horse owners finally get guidance on foot and mouth

Horse & Hound — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:04:14 +0000

DEFRA has issued guidance notes to help horse owners during the foot-and-mouth (FMD) outbreak.

The notes have been drawn up in response to criticism that no advice has been offered on movement, hacking and other legal requirements concerning horses (see this week’s issue of H&H, Thursday 16 August).

The guidance was released this afternoon, 15 August, at the same time that DEFRA announced its FMD vaccinations teams were “standing down from their current level of alert”.

Preliminary tests taken from a farm in Kent and a sheep at Chessington World of Adventures have proved negative for FMD. Temporary control zones of 3km were set up around both premises yesterday.

DEFRA chief veterinary office Debby Reynolds is now positive about the chance of containing the infection.

She said: “We are grateful to the [farming] industry for its tremendous help to date in support of efforts to control this outbreak.

“Vigilance and compliance with the new and existing rules are of critical importance. Failure by anyone to do this puts at risk both the timetable and therefore our ability to return to normality.”

To view guidance notes for horses during foot-and-mouth, click here

Horse owners chide DEFRA over foot-and-mouth

Horse & Hound — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:48:58 +0000

Rural affairs minister Jonathan Shaw has publicly apologised to horse owners and other residents in Elstead, Surrey, for the lack of information for those affected by the foot-and-mouth (FMD) outbreak.

At a meeting in Elstead last Friday (10 August) organised by local MP Jeremy Hunt, 200 local residents aired concerns at the confusion over restrictions for horses.

“The sheer number of local people who turned up shows how concerned they are,” said Mr Hunt, who has asked DEFRA for more clarification on restrictions.

Elstead livery yard owner Jason Ingold was at the meeting.

“The general consensus is that what information was made available was incorrect or late,” he said. “I know DEFRA has been very good during the outbreak, but there hasn’t been enough information for horse owners and it’s made people angry.”

Last week, DEFRA said information packs were being distributed within the protection zone (PZ) and surveillance zone (SZ), and that horse owners were being reached via Passport Issuing Organisations (PIO) and local and national media.

But very little appears yet to have filtered through. Many owners have contacted H&H and the British Horse Society (BHS), which has reported a “steady stream of calls” to its offices. People have been asking how to obtain movement licences, whether it is legal to transport horses through the PZ, and about the rules on hacking.

BHS director of access, welfare and safety Mark Weston told H&H: “If there were another outbreak, we’d like to see DEFRA provide more specific information for riders because the equestrian community does co-exist with the agricultural sector and we’d like to support farmers.”

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has been relaying information via its website and updating its member bodies.

“The problem is that the majority of people don’t know who to look to for help in these cases,” said a BEF spokesman. “We’ll be having a debrief afterwards to look at what was done and how it can be done better in future.”

As H&H went to press on Monday, though it was still early days, farmers in Surrey were hoping the FMD outbreak was contained. No new cases have been reported for nearly a week.

A DEFRA spokesman said it was too early to predict when and how restrictions would be lifted, but that more information for horse owners around the UK would be put on its website (www.defra.gov.uk).

“We have been doing our best to get the message out, but it’s happened so quickly maybe things took longer than expected,” she said. “We had a website full of information and DEFRA has been working 24/7 on this.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (16 August, ’07)

New foot and mouth exclusion zone in Kent

Abigail Butcher — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:43:43 +0000

A temporary 3km foot-and-mouth (FMD) exclusion zone has been set up around a farm in the Romney Marshes in Kent.

Calves at the farm in the Dymchurch and Littlestone-on-Seare area are reported to have shown signs of FMD including blistering on their tongues.

Tests are being carried out, the results of which will be announced later today, Tuesday 14 August, or tomorrow.

DEFRA chief vet Debby Reynolds said of the news: “We are in a crucial week for vigilance and planning next steps.

“Today’s developments are part of our ongoing surveillance and testing and I would take this opportunity to reiterate the need for the highest standards of biosecurity on farms, and for people to remain vigilant for disease and report any suspicions quickly.”

Last Friday, a temporary 3km foot-and-mouth exclusion zone was placed around a farm in Wootton, near Dorking in Surrey. But tests later confirmed cattle did not have FM.

Foot-and-mouth: readers’ experiences

Horse & Hound — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 10:49:25 +0000

Yard-bound and angry

Having spent the last few weeks yard-bound following the recent foot-and-mouth outbreak in our area, we are left wondering if playing by the rules gets you anywhere.

Missing the pre-novice championships at Aston-le-Walls was heartbreaking. We are weekend riders and this was a big deal for us. Spending countless hours and indeed money on lessons, we felt our horse had a good chance of being placed in the top 10, after coming second in our regional final. But we duly withdrew after notifying BE of our situation.

We are therefore left gobsmacked and enraged by other people’s attitudes; dog walkers are still out walking their dogs on footpaths and we have witnessed several horse moves in and out of the protection zone — all of which are being unpeanlised. Some people’s selfishness will never cease to amaze us!

Kim & Ian Carey

Guildford

Tilford and Rushmoor Riding Club act promptly

The committee of Tilford and Rushmoor Riding Club took the early decision to cancel our forthcoming events, until the all clear is given.

Although our club field is only within the surveillance zone, attendees would either have to hack along roads where farmers had prudently closed footpaths through fields with livestock.

Horse transport vehicles would have to find alternative routes to the convenient A3 and A31, both of which pass through the protection zones nearby, although there was no signs up or any evidence of the livestock transporter restrictions being policed or enforced!

While this is only a minor inconvenience to our club members, we felt it was important to try to minimise horse movements where it was within our influence to do so. As horse keepers, we rely on the agricultural community for so much so the least we can do is respect their predicament and do our best to mitigate against any further adverse impacts.

Let us all hope that we get the all clear on the 27 August and then our members can be rewarded for their solidarity and patience at our club show on 30 September.

Jo Strange

Chairman, Tilford and Rushmoor Riding Club

Stuck in the exclusion zone

We are currently stuck within the 3km foot-and-mouth exclusion zone. My friend and I were due to compete in our school team at the national schools show jumping at Hickstead on 8 August, but the arrival of foot-and-mouth has stopped all our plans in our tracks.

I also have a friend visiting us from the Isle of Wight with her pony and she is not able to take her pony home, unless we can get hold of a license, which is proving impossible. It is such a shame that the government has not provided for the equestrian community (and other non susceptible animals) by issuing licenses to allow movement to leave the exclusion zone.

Mary Melville and Morgan Curtis

Wanborough, Surrey

Have you been affected by the foot-and-mouth outbreak? Send your experiences to hheditor@ipcmedia.com

FMD: Hunts allowed to pick up fallen stock

Abigail Butcher — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:55:16 +0000

Hunts were told yesterday they could apply for temporary registration to the National Fallen Stock Scheme (NFSS) to collect dead animals (fallen stock) from farms.

The temporary registration is an emergency measure put in place for a countryside staggering under the threat of foot-and-mouth.

On Thursday, Alistair Jackson at the Hunting Office slammed DEFRA for causing chaos in the countryside. He said Britain’s farms were littered with dead animals.

“You can only pick up fallen stock if you are on the NNFS,” he said. “Very few hunts are registered and even fewer farmers are — it just didn’t catch on when it was launched.”

But on Friday, DEFRA permitted hunts to temporarily join the scheme — for an inspection cost of about £60 — and pick up a backlog of animals lying dead on farms.

“It is not possible for hunts to feed any meat obtained from carcasses,” said Mr Jackson, “but we have been promised this situation will remain under review.”

Hunts are still banned from collecting fallen stock in the FMD protection and surveillance zones. But yesterday (10 August) DEFRA granted special permission to farmers in the zones to bury dead animals on their land.

Stay in touch with all the latest developments on the FMD outbreak on horseandhound.co.uk and in H&H magazine

Foot and mouth movement licences for horses

Abigail Butcher — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:43:22 +0000

Licences to move horses into and out of the foot-and-mouth protection zone (PZ) are being issued, but on priority basis, DEFRA told H&H this afternoon.

A number of readers have contacted H&H, angry at being unable to obtain a licence to move their horse out of, or in to, the 3km PZ around Pirbright in Surrey.

But a DEFRA spokesman said this afternoon: “We are issuing licences for horses but prioritise those on welfare and veterinary grounds first. It might be that some of those horses are not privately owned.”

The British Horseracing Authority yesterday announced plans to lift restrictions placed on trainers within the surveillance zone (SZ) for races on Monday 13 August.

The BHA will allow trainers to have runners on Monday, provided they have carried out the necessary biosecurity measure when transporting them.

Earlier today, a temporary 3km control zone was set up around a farm in Wootton, near Dorking in Surrey following the discovery a suspected case of FMD.

The DEFRA spokesman said at 5pm Friday there was no confirmation of the disease on the farm yet, and “no timescale” for the removal of the temporary zone.

Stay in touch with all the latest developments on the FMD outbreak on horseandhound.co.uk and in H&H magazine

FMD: Merial says horse medicines supply continues

Abigail Butcher — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 16:56:44 +0000

Merial, manufactures of Eqvalan and Eqvalan Duo, has told H&H there will be no interruption to the supply of the popular horse wormers.

Merial is at the centre of an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regarding the outbreak of foot-and-mouth in Surrey.

Bert Burns, a spokesman for Merial, one of the world’s leading animal health companies said: “The laboratory in Pirbright [at the centre of the FMD investigation] is a dedicated foot-and-mouth site. The only medication it produces and works on is a foot-and-mouth vaccine.”

Mr Burns confirmed: “There is no knock-on effect from what is happening in Surrey to the supply of any medicines for horses.”

A final report by the HSE was due out this afternoon. It is expected to confirm the source of the outbreak. But an HSE spokesman told H&H there is “no timescale” now as to when the report would be published — and could not estimate whether the findings would be released today (9 August) or tomorrow.

Stay in touch with all the latest developments on the FMD outbreak on horseandhound.co.uk and in H&H magazine

FMD: Confusion over fallen stock collection

Abigail Butcher — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:47:37 +0000

The countryside is in chaos, with rotting animals lying on farms around Britain, despite the government’s announcement that dead animals can now be collected for disposal.

There is still a blanket movement ban of animals inside the foot-and-mouth (FMD) protection zone (PZ) and surveillance zone (SZ). But outside those areas directly affected by foot-and-mouth, live animals can go direct to slaughter and dead animals can be collected from farms, provided a licence is issued.

“It’s absolute chaos,” said Alastair Jackson, director of the Hunting Office. “You can only pick up if you are on the National Fallen Stock Scheme (NFSS). Very few hunts are registered and even fewer farmers are — it just didn’t catch on when it was launched.”

Jackson told H&H his phone had been “red hot” with calls from hunts and angry farmers, concerned about the growing number of maggot-infested carcasses on their land.

“We’ve been talking with DEFRA, the National Farmers Union (NFU) and vets all morning, and we’re hoping hunts will be able to register temporarily,” said Jackson.

“But to do so, they have to ring a number in London which has been engaged since 6am. When you do get through, you’re told the person you have to speak to is off today.”

He added angrily: “It’s an absolute shambles.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is expected to release its final report on the source of the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Surrey later this afternoon.

Last night, 300 cattle were culled from a third farm in the Pirbright area and tests are currently being run on the carcasses.

Stay in touch with all the latest developments on the FMD outbreak on horseandhound.co.uk and in H&H magazine

FMD: BHS urges Surrey riders to stay home

Abigail Butcher — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:47:34 +0000

The British Horse Society (BHS) is urging horse owners in the foot-and-mouth surveillance zone (SZ) to remain vigilant and hack responsibly.

“The horse industry and the farming industry have a very close symbiotic relationship,” said Mark Weston, BHS director of access, safety and welfare. “I would urge all horse riders within the protection cones to keep their horses on their own premises for the time being, to assist in the prevention of the spread of this awful disease.”

The BHS has issued new advice to riders in Surrey this afternoon, asking those who keep their horses within the 10km foot-and-mouth SZ to do the following:

on premises where there are susceptible animals (ie cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, llamas, alpacas, deer) to keep their horses on the premises, and NOT hack out in the countryside

on premises where there are no susceptible animals:

not to take their horses to premises where there are susceptible animals and
not to ride on public rights of way or open spaces within the SZ where there are susceptible animals.

Hacking in the FMD protection zone (PZ) is now banned by DEFRA.

Stay in touch with all the latest developments on the FMD outbreak on horseandhound.co.uk and in H&H magazine

FMD outbreak: show cancellations

Horse & Hound — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:36:07 +0000

Send your FMD cancellations and special measures information to H&Hnews@ipcmedia.com for inclusion here.

Hampton Sponsored Ride [13:35, 20 August, ’07]

The Hampton Sponsored Ride is expected to go ahead on 16 September, subject to Defra giving the “all clear” by 28 August. Should the ride need to be cancelled for any reason, all entry fees will be refunded. Any updates on the situation will be posted here.

Royal County of Berkshire Show [10:50, 20 August, ’07]

Tilford and Rushmoor Riding Club [9:45, 14 August, ’07]

The Tilford and Rushmoor Riding Club committee has cancelled all forthcoming events as its club field is located within the surveillance zone. It is hoping to be able to hold its club show on 30 September.

Cadnam Driving Show [10:30, 10 August, ’07]

The Cadnam Driving Show, which was due to take place this Sunday (12 August), will now take place on Sunday 9 September.

Rydal Sheep Dog Trials and Hound Show [17:00, 9 August, ’07]

The Rydal Sheep Dog Trials and Hound Show will go ahead in Rydal Park on Thursday 16 August 2007. According to a show spokesman, and biosecurity mats will be placed at all entrances and exits and anyone refusing to be disinfected will be refused entry. Sheep taking part are already in situ, being provided by the farmer who owns the venue.

For more details, contact the Secretary (tel:01539 621413/ 07980 622253).

Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural show [13:45, 9 August, ’07]

The Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural show (26-27 August) is going ahead as planned but all livestock involvement has been cancelled. Main ring events and horse classes remain in the schedule as well as the many other attractions.

Priddy Sheep Fair [11:07, 9 August, ’07]

The Priddy Sheep Fair Committee has decided to cancel the event, which was due to take place in Somerset on 22 August, due to the current Foot and Mouth crisis.

The Chairman of the Committee, Martin Edwards, said: “This has been a hard decision to make but a responsible one in view of the current crisis. Accordingly, no activities will be provided for, including the Horse Field.”

For more information visit: www.priddysheepfair.co.uk

Vine & Craven Hunt cross-country ride [8 August, ’07]

The Vine & Craven Hunt cross-country ride at Highclere, Berks on Sunday 19 August has been cancelled due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Donkey Breed Society Championship Show [8 August, ’07]

The Donkey Breed Society Championship Show, which was due to take place at Rodbaston College of Agriculture, Near Stafford on 18-19 August has been cancelled.

Surrey Union Hunt puppy show postponed [8 August, ’07]

As the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth is so close to the hunt country of the Surrey Union, the hunt has decided to postpone it’s puppy show. It will be rescheduled for a future date yet to be decided.

Special measures at Bicton Show [7 August, ’07]

Bicton will be operating the following strict biosecurity measures at its four day show (9 – 12 August) in the hope of preventing the physical carriage of foot-and-mouth disease onto the show ground, which is part of a working farm.

Before leaving home

Lorry wheels, wheel-arches and mud-flaps must be have been washed clean, and ALL mud removed prior before setting off to the show. Please disinfect the floor of the horse area. Wheelbarrow wheels and any mucking out tools must also be disinfected.

Horses hooves must be picked out and and washed thoroughly; if possible wash them in disinfectant and the legs to the knee with a disinfectant that is safe for use on animals. Bicton accepts no responsibility for any irritation to your horse that this may cause.

On arrival

You will drive over a disinfectant mat at the entrance.
At the top of the driveway, the road will be blocked off. BEFORE entering the site, your vehicle wheel-arches and mud-flaps MUST be sprayed with disinfectant.
EVERY occupant must get out and dip their feet in the disinfectant footbath that is beside the lorry wash BEFORE they will be allowed on site.
You will then be directed to an exclusive horse unload area. Here all animals (including dogs) MUST be walked over the disinfectant mat provided, then walked to your stables. If you are a day visitor, you must then walk your animals to where you intend to park your lorry.
Lorries will then be moved on to park BEFORE you unload anything else.
There will be foot baths sited around the complex, and we ask that you dip every pair of shoes, boots or other footwear that you bring with you (yes, even high heeled shoes!) that you intend to wear during your time at Bicton. Remember the sooner you do this, the sooner they will be dry to wear, and you will not forget!
Every vehicle has to be sprayed as above EVERY TIME you reenter the arena complex, and as this takes up labour, we ask that you restrict traffic to and from the complex as much as possible.
As a result, DO NOT ARRIVE on Tuesday, as measures will not properly be in place and YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to enter the complex.
Any vehicles arriving after 12pm midnight, run the risk of not being able to be sprayed. This means that they will not be allowed on site until the following morning. This includes their occupants, and their horses and any dogs. These vehicles will have to park up overnight on the main driveway. We will of course work to help wherever possible. DO NOT ENTER the complex looking for someone until you have dipped your feet in the footbath provided, if the cleaning station is unmanned.

Stay in touch with all the latest developments on the FMD outbreak on horseandhound.co.uk and in H&H magazine

Hacking illegal in foot and mouth protection zone

Abigail Butcher — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:12:16 +0000

Bridleways and footpaths in the 3km protection zone (PZ) around the two farms affected by foot-and-mouth (FMD) in Surrey are now closed.

DEFRA’s chief veterinary inspector made the decision last night, after growing pressure from farmers in the Pirbright area near Surrey.

But DEFRA is insisting the rest of the countryside, outside the 3km protection zone, is still open.

A DEFRA spokesman said: “Current veterinary advice is that outside the protection zone, the risk of rights of way users and other visitors to the countryside spreading disease is low.”

Stay in touch with all the latest developments on the FMD outbreak on horseandhound.co.uk and in H&H magazine

New EC rules on travelling horses abroad

Abigail Butcher — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:47:15 +0000

Horses travelling abroad must now be accompanied by an Export Health Certificate — even if they are travelling to Ireland and France.

This afternoon, the European Commission (EC) has issued new advice regarding the movement of all horses, ponies, donkeys and mules within European member states.

All horses being moved from England, Scotland and Wales to other EU member states — including Northern Ireland, the Channel Isles and the Isle of Man must be accompanied by certification proving the animal has not come from premises that are under suspicion of foot-and-mouth, or those from which FMD has been confirmed.

This applies from today until further notice.

Previously, under the Triparte Agreement, horses being transported to Ireland and France did not require pre-export certificate.

Horses moving to other EU member states must also be accompanied by an amended TRACES certificate (90/426 C Equidae for breeding, production and slaughter) bearing the following paragraph:

“Equidae conforming to Commission Decision 2007/552/EC of 6 August 2007, concerning interim protection measures with regard to foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom.”

Stay in touch with all the latest developments surround horses and the FMD outbreak on horseandhound.co.uk and in H&H magazine

Foot and mouth outbreak advice for riders

Abigail Butcher — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:04:23 +0000

About FMD

Horses, ponies and donkeys cannot catch FMD
Susceptible animals include farm stock, cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, as well as some animals such as llamas and alpacas. Some wild animals such as hedgehogs and deer can also contract it
Horses, like humans, dogs and vehicles, can spread the virus in infected material (for example mud)

Within the 3km protection zone (PZ)

Horses can be moved in and out only under licence — obtainable from the local Animal Health Office until further notice
Horses cannot be moved from premises to premises within the PZ if they are kept alongside ruminants
Horseboxes where susceptible species are kept cannot be moved without a licence
Hacking within the zone is not allowed

Outside the protection zone

Horses are not, as yet, subject to movement restrictions and shows and events can take place as normal
Though not required by law, rural gatherings — particularly in or near Surrey — should consider biosecurity measures
At present, there is no restriction on travelling horses to Ireland, Scotland and Wales, or further afield

For more information, visit www.defra.gov.uk (tel: 08459 33 55 77) or e-mail helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

For full analysis of how FMD is hitting the horseworld, how riders and organisers are responding, and exclusive experiences of real riders caught up in the outbreak, see H&H on sale on Thursday 9 August

Foot-and-mouth disease

Abigail Butcher — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 10:42:26 +0000

Horse shows and events carried on this weekend, most with precautions in place, despite the foot-and-mouth (FMD) outbreak in Surrey.

At county shows, polo matches, events and show jumping competitions, horseboxes and trailers drove over straw soaked in disinfectant to get into the grounds, where dogs were banned.

Although DEFRA has placed restrictions on the movement on livestock, horses, ponies and donkeys can still be transported, apart from those kept within 3km from the premises affected with FMD in Guildford.

Horseboxes and trailers cannot be moved from premises within the 3km protection zone, where susceptible animals are kept except under licence.

But the British Horse Society (BHS) has urged horse owners to remain vigilant and act responsibly.

Mark Weston, BHS director of access, safety and welfare said: “While there are no restrictions on horse movements outside of the 3km protection zone, it is important that all horse owners and riders are vigilant and do everything they can to help prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth, and observe the highest of bio security measures on and off their own yards.”

For the latest developments keep checking horseandhound.co.uk and for in-depth analysis on how the horse world has reacted to the outbreak, see Thursday’s issue of H&H

Historic riding centre folds

Horse & Hound — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 09:56:43 +0000

Exmoor’s legendary Porlock Vale Riding School is the latest establishment to lose the battle against rising rates, and has wound up its equestrian interests.

Speaking to H&H just days before the closure on 31 December, owner Helen Youd blamed “burgeoning health and safety”, foot-and-mouth and a declining market for the demise of the school, which once served as an Olympic training camp and enjoyed a worldwide reputation.

Horses have been at Porlock Vale House, a country hotel in the heart of Exmoor, since the 1930s, but the riding school proper was founded in 1945 by Tony Collings and his business partner and horseman Capt Chris Leyland.

During its history, the school has been a pioneer — holding Britain’s first dressage course, building one of the first indoor schools, supplying horses for the equestrian section of the modern pentathlon for the 1948 Olympics and training the British three-day event team for the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki.

Tony Collings was responsible, along with Col Harry Llewellyn and Col Mike Ansell, for the establishment of the Horse of the Year Show, and he also helped to found Badminton Horse Trials, riding in the first event in 1949 and winning in 1950 on Remus.

Former Porlock students include dressage trainer John Lassetter, event rider Bertie Hill, equestrian author Diana Tuke and show producer Richard Ramsay.

While the hotel continues to thrive, Mrs Youd said the equestrian business had suffered “for some time”. When she and her husband, Kim, bought the establishment 12 years ago, the school had 30 horses, an indoor school and sizeable cross-country course.

“It’s really been a battle since foot-and-mouth — we haven’t just thrown in the towel,” she said. “The finances haven’t stacked up for some time, and our losses have been increasing.

“The local population isn’t enough to sustain the school. Most people on Exmoor have their own horses but they don’t want the training — and even with the indoor school we can’t pull in the people for evening riding.”

The remaining 10 horses at Porlock Vale House are either being retired in the grounds or rehomed to locals.

Read this news story in full in Horse & Hound (4 January, ’06)

FMD crisis: how our leading riders are coping

Horse & Hound — Wed, 21 Mar 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Carl Hester

Olympic dressage rider Carl Hesterhas recently moved into a new house just and is using his spare time painting and decorating.

“All teaching on our own premises has been cancelled, as well as all our clinics and after hearing the news last night I think we will be lucky to compete before July.

“The horses are ticking over and it is an opportunity, albeit through ahorrible cause, for training without other pressures.”

Richard Davison

Dressage rider Richard Davison is hoping for a place in the World Cup final in Denmark, through a wild card.

“We’re keeping all the horses going -this is time for training, although as I am keeping Askari on the boil it isrequiring a lot of self-discipline to ride through tests. We are stillplanning as if we were going and show organisers are trying hard to findsolutions ¨ we cannot assume we are not going to compete.”

Darrell Scaife

Event rider Darrell Scaife has a yard of eventers fit and ready to run. “We have two schools and some set aside to work on, but it has been difficult tobe motivated. I am now pretending it is January and have chosen each horse’sweakness as something to work on and improve. It would be a lot easier ifeveryone had just shut down.”

Jeanette Brakewell

Olympic silver medallist Jeanette Brakewell has eight horses in work.

“I am keeping them ticking over using the school and horse walker – the land is too wet to think of turning them out yet. But because I am able I have thetime to put more flatwork into the youngsters they are gaining a goodgrounding.

“As FMD is obviously not under control I don’t think the first half of the season will happen, but hopefully we will get the second half.”

Jo Trego

Endurance rider Jo Trego is also a selector this year.

“My horses are all fit and I am able to keep the horses ticking over.Although now it looks like the disease is out of control I am looking to what I will do.

“If it goes on much longer then all the work we have done since last summer risks falling apart – if it gets worse it looks like the horses will probably end upbeing turned out for a couple of months during the late spring.

“I can only feel for those really affected and can only imagine what it must be like if someone was to come and tell me they were going to shoot myhorses. The whole thing is tragic and affects everyone.”

Barry Capstick

Driving trials driver Barry Capstick has eight horses in full work at his yard in Gloucestershire.

“The horses are literally going round in circles – on the horse walker and thenin the indoor school. We can’t do anything else with them. For once we have the time to concentrate on all the little problems that can get passed over during the season and are really going back to basics – so they should all be very good when we do get going -although I don’t believe we will have a season maybe just a few shows at theend of the summer.

“I feel desperately sorry for all the farmers – the whole thing is a nightmare.”

FAQ: Foot-and-mouth disease

Horse & Hound — Fri, 09 Mar 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Q: What causes foot-and-mouth disease?

A: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute infectious viral disease caused by a picornavirus. Symptoms are fever, followed by the development of vesicles (blisters) chiefly in the mouth and on the feet. It is probably more infectious than any other disease affecting animals and spreads rapidly if uncontrolled.

Q: Which animals are affected?

A: It affects cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. Wild and domestic cloven-hoofed animals and elephants, hedgehogs and rats are also susceptible.

Q: Can horses and ponies contract FMD?

A: No, horses and ponies definitely cannot contract foot-and-mouth disease.

Q: If horses cannot catch FMD, why are race meetings etccancelled or postponed?

A: The concern is that horses, humans, dogs, vehicles, etc can carry the virus and so spread it from one area to another. Cattle trucks, lorries, markets and loading ramps, anywhere infected animals may have been present, are sources of infection until effectively disinfected. Roads may also become contaminated and the virus picked up and carried on the wheels of passing vehicles such as delivery lorries and milk tankers. Any person who has attended diseased animals can spread the disease, so vets need to be very careful. Dogs, cats, poultry, birds, wild game and vermin may also carry infected material.

Q: Can human beings contract FMD?

A: Advice from the Department of Health is that the disease in man is very rare. The disease has no implication for the human food chain.

Q: How does the disease spread?

A: The virus spreads most effectively directly from one animal to another ¨ for example, one pig coughing droplets containingvirus on to another ¨ but it can also be spread:

l Indirectly by carriers ¨ for instance, the virus may spread from an infected farm on a horse¨s hooves to a previously uninfected area.
l Airborne spread of the virus can take place. Under favourable climatic conditions the disease may be spread considerable distances by this route ¨ up to at least 60km overland and 300km by sea.
l The virus may be present in milk, dung and even carcasses. This is why disinfection is important and why meat and dairy products are being confiscated by customs on arrival in other countries.
l Imported meat or dairy products, infected with the virus are a source of infection. Lamb bones brought in from South America were thought to have caused the outbreak in 1967.Q: How long does the virus stay in the environment?A: Under favourable conditions, the FMD virus can survive for long periods. It can persist in the environment and in contaminated fodder for up to one month,depending on the temperature and other conditions.Q: What conditions favour the virus?A: Heat, sunlight and disinfectants will destroy the virus, whereas cold and darkness tend to keep it alive. It is preserved by refrigeration and freezing and progressively inactivated by temperatures above 50øC.Q: How do I recognise FMD?A: You will see lameness and dribbling in more than one animal.Q: Is FMD fatal?A: If FMD is left to run its natural course, the majority of animals will survive the infection and recover in two to three weeks. Some, particularly young stock, will die, but most will get better.Q: So why does infected stock have to be destroyed?A: The problem is that they are unlikely to thrive thereafter and will not fatten as efficiently. Dairy cows, in particular, have long-lasting complications, such as reduced milk yields, abortion and lameness.Q: Do animals have any natural immunity to FMD?A: This strain of FMD has been shown to be the very infectious pan-Asiatic O type, which is one of seven main types of FMD virus. After having the infection, the animals will acquire some natural immunity to that strain of the virus; however, it is like colds and flu in that infection with one type of virus provides little or no protection against attacks by any of the others.Q: Do such animals carry the disease?A: Yes, FMD can persist in the throat of cattle for up to 30 months and nine months in sheep.Q: Is vaccination possible?A: Vaccination is available to control the disease using an inactivated virus and has been used effectively elsewhere in the world. A vaccination programme usually entails two doses one month apart and provides immunity for around six months, provided the vaccine involves the correct strain. In this respect, it is similar to the human flu vaccination. Vaccinated animals will have antibodies to FMD. If blood is taken and tested aftervaccination, it is not possible to distinguish whether they have immunity from the disease or the vaccine.The problem with vaccination is that exports would be limited if Britain could not maintain her disease-free status. Some countries insist on imports only from countries that are recognised to be FMD-free, both without disease and with no vaccination programme.Q: How did the disease reach the UK?A: The disease is present in many countries of the world. There was an outbreak in Greece within the EU last year. The big outbreak in the 1960s was thought to have originated in a lamb carcass brought in from South America. It is likely, but still unproven, that this outbreak may have started similarly.The smallholding in Northumberland at the centre of the current crisis was fattening pigs by swill feeding. Proper swill feeding requires the swill (food scraps) to be heated thoroughly before being fed to the pigs. If this was not done, it could have allowed the passage of disease to the animals.Q: If the disease is not fatal, why are infected animals slaughtered?A: The justification for the slaughter policy is economic in that, according to the MAFF website (www.maff.gov.uk), “widespread disease throughout the countryside would be economically disastrous”.

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