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[01 MAR 01] WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL NEWS
Coventry In Foot And Mouth Risk Area

Parts of Coventry have been closed to the public after they were included with Bedworth Nuneaton and Atherstone in an area deemed at risk from foot and mouth disease.

Areas of the city to the north of the M6 motorway have been shut off to stop members of the public spreading the deadly infection.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have designated an infection area following the discovery of a case of foot and mouth disease at Lindley Hall Farm in fenny Drayton, near Nuneaton.

Government rules state that an area of at least 10km shall be earmarked as being at risk from infection. If there are windy conditions the area can be extended.

Following yesterday’s discovery, an area stretching from Coalville and the east of Leicester down to Coventry and over to near Tamworth has been marked out as an infected area.

This includes Sowe Common, Lentons Lane Cemetery, Lentons Lane Farm, two pubs and about 100 houses in Coventry.

Footpaths around the common are closed to the public. Dog owners in the area must keep their animals secure so they cannot escape onto open land.

Dogs and cats cannot catch the disease, but can spread it to animals with hoofs, such as cows, pigs, sheep and goats.

If dogs are being walked in the area they must now be kept on the road and on a lead.

People living in the affected area will have a leaflet delivered through their doors today to tell them about what to do.

The cemetery will remain open for funerals and to allow relatives to visit graves. But visitors have been urged to take care to stick to the road when travelling.

Cllr John McNicholas, cabinet member (Environmental Services) said today:

“The lives of many people are closely linked to the countryside.

“This virulent disease is very easily spread as it is carried on almost anything including shoes, buggies and on the feet of dogs and horses.

“We all have a moral duty as responsible citizens to reduce the spread of this disease.

“I would ask people to take heed of the warnings and co-operate fully during this difficult time.

“The livelihoods of our farmers could be at risk here and we need to protect them and our countryside.”

To see a map of the designated infected area, click here.

According to the MAFF web site, the procedure for dealing with infected premises is:

“Notices are posted at all entrances to the premises and a policeman or local authority inspector controls the movement of people on and off the farm.

“An approved disinfectant is provided so that footwear, clothing and vehicles may be disinfected before entering or leaving the premises.

”Preliminary disinfection of the premises is commenced. As soon as possible after confirmation of disease the infected animals are valued and slaughtered.

“Other susceptible animals are then valued and they too are slaughtered without delay.”

SEE [01 MAR 01] PATHS CLOSED AS DISEASE CRISIS DEEPENS
SEE [01 MAR 01] EMERGENCY FOOT AND MOUTH CONTACT DETAILS
SEE [28 FEB 01] FOOT AND MOUTH CASE FOUND NEAR NUNEATON
SEE [28 FEB 01] WARWICKSHIRE CLOSES AMID FOOT AND MOUT FEARS
 

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MAFF FOOT AND MOUTH UPDATES

WARWICKSHIRE
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CWN / Politics / Warwickshire County Council / 1 Mar 01

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