Foot and Mouth Disease
Much of Scotland's Countryside is free of foot and mouth disease
and is open for
outdoor pursuits and tourism.
however, given the serious nature of the disease, care is still required.
This page outlines sensible precautions for those coming back to enjoy the
countryside.
While large areas of Scotland are accessible it is wise to check
that your
particular destination is open before you travel.
Humans, dogs and horses can't catch foot and mouth disease
but they can spread
it to cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer.
Foot and Mouth is a highly infectious disease but for the general public, who
don't work with livestock, the chances of spreading it are generally low. Indirect transfer from person to person contact, for example
at sporting or
social events, and then onwards to livestock is possible but unlikely.
The main risk of people spreading the disease comes from direct contact with an
infected animal or its dung.
People can pick up the virus on their hands, clothes and footwear and transfer
it to another animal. This is why it is crucial to avoid all physical contact with livestock and to avoid farm
steadings, yards and enclosed fields where there could be dung from infected animals. This advise is especially
important for dog owners. Dogs must not be allowed off the lead as they may disperse other animals and can be
attracted by dung.
In areas of Scotland which is free of foot and mouth disease, the risk from
walking on the open hill or paths not regularly frequented by sheep and cattle is extremely low. It is still important
to ensure that livestock, wild deer and goats are not disturbed.
The virus can remain active for three days in summer and up to two weeks in
dried mud or dung on clothing, shoes
or vehicles but it can be killed off by heat or disinfectants. If you have mud
or dung on your footwear, bicycle or car,
you should clean them as soon as possible. Washing your footwear with soap and
hot water will be sufficient.
The risks of spreading foot and mouth are greatest in the areas where the
disease has already occurred. But we can't assume the disease isn't present elsewhere. By following the
guidelines in
the code below, we can all minimise the chances of spreading foot and mouth and begin to allow life in the country
return to normal. The Code
Please follow this advise to avoid endangering farm animals and people's
livelihoods.
-
Do not touch or feed animals.
-
Do not enter enclosed fields
with farm animals.
-
Avoid farm steadings and
yards.
-
Do not leave waste or scraps
of food or litter.
-
Do not park your car in areas where farm animals gather.
-
Keep dogs on a lead at all
times.
-
Clean your boots and vehicles
between visits to the countryside.
-
Obey official signs.
-
Respect advisory signs and
requests from farmers and other land managers.
This code is based on expert advice from the State Veterinary Service and on
guidance previously issued by the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department,
Which is responsible for action to contain and eradicate foot and mouth disease.
Below are some websites that contain information on the countryside and the foot and
mouth disease.
The Countryside
News Co-ordination Center: Governments Crisis
Foot & Mouth News Website
The Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food
Institue of Public Righs of Way
Local Government Website
The Rambler's Association
The Royal Horticultural Society
Historic Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland
The Forestry Commission
Traffic news (Information on road closures)
The Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions
The AA
The RAC
We hope that you will take heed of these precautions and have a great time while
visiting Scotland.
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