by Rob Burnett
FARMERS and landowners are doing their utmost to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease and blue tongue disease into South Bucks.
The latest outbreak of foot and mouth is in nearby Surrey and the National Farmers Union (NFU) is encouraging both farmers and members of the public to be vigilant.
Isobel Bretherton of the NFU said farmers in the area are being urged to step up their bio-security measures.
She said: "They must have approved disinfectant available at the farm gate and we advise them to change their clothing if they are moving between different groups of livestock.
"We would also like to appeal to smaller livestock owners to understand what bio-security measures they can take to protect their livestock - even if they just have a few sheep or goats for a hobby."
Ms Bretherton had this advice for the general public: "If people are visiting the affected zones they must adhere to the restrictions.
"If everybody works together hopefully this disease can be eradicated as soon as possible.
"Livestock farming is effectively grounded by foot and mouth restrictions and these are even more stringent than those for blue tongue."
John Knight farms sheep and beef cattle at Road Farm in Great Missenden said the close proximity of the outbreak in Surrey was a concern.
He said: "We are very concerned because Slough and Windsor are not far away and foot and mouth is one of the most contagious diseases that exists.
"We can still send stock to the slaughter house but the fact that we cannot get to the markets at all makes life very difficult for lots of people.
"We are all very worried because it's costing us a lot - if we have to keep sheep longer then they get too big and then we get less money for them. The financial problems in farming are still very serious, it is not easy."
Mr Knight said he was more concerned about the delay of selling his stock and he thought it was unlikely that he would have to start destroying animals that were waiting to be sold.
He said: "The disease is so easily spread that its a worry for everyone if its their livelihood.”
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