23 February 2001
 Foot & Mouth Information for Pet Owners |
Foot and mouth is a virulent virus, which causes ill health in cattle, sheep, pigs
and camelidae, such as llamas. All animals and man can be carriers. So full proper
biosecurity measures should be employed using PET VIRKON or VIRKON E.
To comply with the Disease of Animals (approved disinfectants) (Amendment) (England) order 2000. VIRKON can be diluted up to 1 part per 1300. However, to contain more widespread disease challenges such as parvovirus dilution at 1:100 is recommended. Dogs, cats and poultry must be shut up in infected areas and it is recommended that pet animals be kept off farmland. This is because people and animals can carry the virus on clothing and boots. All ramblers, climbers and anglers should also disinfect equipment with VIRKON. 23rd February 2001: four areas: Buckinghamshire, Isle of Wight, Gloucestershire and Tyne and Wear, have movement restriction notices and owners of all animals should take extra care not to spread the disease. It is advised to create a disease-free environment in the stabling and home. Cleaning of all stables, tack and feed rooms, kennels and catteries, followed by disinfection using PET VIRKON or VIRKON E either with a pressure washer, sprayer or sponge be carried out. Allow the disinfectant to dry before introducing new bedding. Wash all drinkers, food bins, tack, blankets and beds using VIRKON. Only one case of Foot and Mouth Disease has been confirmed in a human since 1966, so it poses little threat. The symptoms are blisters and flu-like fever, if in any doubt about your personal health contact your GP immediately. Wild life such as hedgehogs, deer and rats are susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease and will pass viral spores from blisters. Dead and sick animals should be treated with caution and not moved in the areas affected by the restriction orders. "For the pet trade, people should be aware that they could unwittingly cause considerable damage to British Livestock Farmers by spreading this disease. The BRAMTON Company would suggest that people living in Essex, Isle of Wight, Gloucestershire and Tyne and Wear keep dogs and cats inside their own gardens. And that everyone should consider using an approved disinfectant such as VIRKON to lower the risk of spreading the disease." National Foot and Mouth Hotline: 0845 050 4141 ANTEC WEBSITE: www.antecint.co.uk |