§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he is giving in relation to the foot and mouth epidemic (1) to agronomists about walking fields in order for them to recommend agricultural pesticide and fertiliser programmes; [152688]
640W(2) to agricultural contractors about the conduct of field operations. [152689]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 8 March 2001]: Visits to farms and across farmland could bring contact with livestock susceptible to foot and mouth disease. Advice and precautions to be exercised by people working in the countryside has been posted on MAFF's website www.maff.gov.uk.
Central to this advice is that people should follow strict cleansing procedures which would include leaving vehicles outside the farm, disinfecting boots and wearing boots or clothing supplied by the farm. People working in the countryside should ensure that all mud, slurry and manure is washed off before they leave the premises.
It is essential that all visits to farms and possible contacts with animals are recorded. The records should include the date and time of the visit. Should disease occur on a farm then these records will be used to trace movements and possible spread of the disease.