Updated February 28th 2001
Editor's word:
I have had a number of queries today about the impact of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on rowing in the UK, since some clubs row through farmland. Here are some statements which may help to clarify the situation.
Advice received from MAFF by the ARA today: "Due to the current outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease people should avoid travelling from, and rowing on water in infected areas." 'The ARA supports this advice and asks all its clubs to consider whether or not they should travel to events. We are in a rapidly changing situation and will continue to advise members through the official website.'
Sallie Malt, Women's HORR: "There are no plans to cancel the Women's Head this Saturday."
The NFU's Horticultural Policy Adviser: "....Conditions this cold and damp are perfect for the survival of FMD.... ....it is an airborne disease... ...it has been known to travel _over_ water (not carried in it)... ...there is no chance that FMD will survive on boat-shells, though it could on trailer wheels driven through farm lanes... ...most rowing clubs are in urban rather than rural areas, and very few trailers will be driven through farmland... ....if clubs think vehicles have been infected, they should be disinfected as usual.... ....the Thames is not an infected region and it is not expected that the Tideway WHORR should give any cause for concern.... ....clubs coming from overseas should seek the advice of their own customs and take appropriate precautions when returning to their country, especially visiting from Ireland..."
For further information, the MAFF website link is http://www.maff.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/default.htm, which carries full details of precautions, affected areas, and an FAQ on the disease, which has been made to sound very scary. The main danger is that the milk yields and farm productivity of the country will drop drastically if there is a mass epidemic, although animals recover within a couple of weeks, and few die. MAFF has the ability to close footpaths if necessary, although towpaths won't always be as affected as cross-farm rights of way.
Copyright Rachel Quarrell 2001