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News

PRECAUTIONS TO HELP PREVENT FOOT AND MOUTH

The Borough of Poole is currently working on the advice of the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) to reduce the risk of Foot and Mouth disease developing in Poole.

Foot and Mouth disease poses no risk to human health and there is currently no evidence of Foot and Mouth disease in the Poole area. However humans and animals can spread the problem, therefore measures have been taken to reduce the risk of contact between the public and farm stock.

Whilst evidence of the disease is occurring in the UK, notices have been placed on public land and other paths in Poole where there is farm stock in the nearby area.

In particular, members of the public are being asked not to visit the gardens, parkland and trails at Upton Country Park. This restriction includes the ‘back drive’ from Hamworthy, the ‘cattle track’, the woodlands, the shoreline trail and the cycleway from Blandford Road (Hamworthy) to Upton Country Park and from Upton Country Park to the Holes Bay Road. Indoor, pre-booked events and activities within Upton House itself are not affected at present.

In addition, the public are being advised to avoid areas in Poole with grazing animals or deer including:

· Alder Hills
· Ashington Cutting
· Bourne Valley/Talbot Heath
· Canford Heath
· Castleman Trailway/Roman Road
· Corfe Hills
· Delph Woods
· Pinesprings

Peter Pawlowski, Head of Consumer Protection Services, said: "Whilst Poole has not seen any evidence of Foot and Mouth in the area, it is essential that protective measures are taken to safeguard the Borough from any future problems. We are asking everyone to avoid these areas unless their visits are essential. If you do need to visit any of these areas, then the advice is to keep to major paths and ensure dogs are kept on leads. In the meantime the Council will continue to co-ordinate efforts with the MAFF to ensure that appropriate action is taken. We would like to thank the public for their co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Further information:

Additional restrictions may apply in specific areas or be introduced as and when required.

To reduce the risk of spreading Foot and Mouth in Poole the following countryside walks have been cancelled:
· Sunday 4 March, Canford Heath, practical task, 10am.
· Sunday 4 March, Canford Heath, guided walk, 2pm from Francis Avenue.

In addition the Poole Farmers Market has been cancelled until further notice.

Alternative routes for dog walkers include:
· Alexandra Park, Parkstone
· Hamworthy Park
· Whitecliff Park
· Branksome recreational ground
· Broadstone recreational ground
· Poole Park
· Baiter Park

Dog walkers are asked to follow the appropriate guidelines on cleaning up after their dog on these sites to avoid any health risks or inconvenience to other users.

Jeff Morley, Consumer Protection Team Manager