TRADING Standards officials are reassuring the public the Kent countryside is still open for business despite the outbreak of bluetongue disease found on a farm in Boughton Aluph, just outside Ashford.
They have reminded the public movement restrictions only apply to animals in the control zone and at present there are no biosecurity controls concerning human movements.
No areas of land or footpaths in the county are closed at present.
Bluetongue is spread by midges and not passed from animal to animal. Nor does it pose any threat to human health.
Defra has declared a control zone covering areas of Shepway, Thanet, Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Maidstone and Swale meaning animals can only be moved within these areas or straight to slaughter.
Kent County Council cabinet member for community services Mike Hill said: “I am confident our Trading Standards officers working with colleagues in other areas will work extremely hard to offer advice and information to those affected and attempt to contain this disease. The potential serious danger to farms and livelihoods means we will do all we can to try tackle this latest threat to Kent’s rural businesses.”
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POSTED: 18/10/2007 09:56:13
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