HL Deb 03 May 2001 vol 625 c137WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

For how long after livestock suffering from foot and mouth disease have been removed from the land it is advisable to refrain from making hay or growing fodder crops. [HL1679]

Baroness Hayman

Plants and grains do not become contaminated if they grow on land which had previously been grazed by animals affected by the disease. Their surfaces can become contaminated if they have been in physical contact or close proximity with an infected animal.

General guidance for growers of crops and grass was posted on the MAFF website on 30 March. On foot and mouth infected farms, field operations can be undertaken subject to the advice of the divisional veterinary manager on the basis of a site-specific risk assessment.

Once restrictions have been lifted field operations will be able to resume as normal without the need for any additional delay subject to cleaning and disinfection procedures.