We’re sure you’ll have heard about a national farming disaster, and quarantined farms across the South East of England, and now other areas as a result of an outbreak of the dreaded foot and mouth disease. The farming industry is facing a genuine crisis, and it’s up to anyone using the countryside to help them in any way they can.
Agriculture Minister Nick Brown urged people to stay away from high risk areas. “I would like to appeal to the public – particularly in the infected areas – to minimise the risks of spread,” he said. “For the public this involves reducing contact with livestock and farms.”
Although only two possible cases of human infection have ever been recorded and there are no fear of it causing lasting heath problems, anyone passing through infected land can pick up the virus and spread it into surrounding areas.
Jon has got the full facts over on OUTDOORSmagic including links to all the relevant sites including the ramblers assosciation. Go over and read them, but we strongly advise you to avoid any routes that pass near farms, and head for more remote moorland areas or similar where possible.
Until the crisis clears, ride smart and don’t get arsey over access. You may have always ridden that route, but if you were a farmer suddenly looking at bikes or walkers as a potential source of infection that could destroy your entire livelihood then you’d probably be less than welcoming.