I’ve seen many outbreaks of diseases, but the farm carries on (From The Westmorland Gazette)

I’ve seen many outbreaks of diseases, but the farm carries on

9:24am Tuesday 17th May 2011 in Farming By Iain Richards, Farming columnist

I RECENTLY took part in a Radio 4 programme on foot and mouth.

It was a reminder of not only how devastating that disease was, but how resilient farmers are.

I’ve seen many outbreaks of other diseases that have resulted in a loss of animals and a huge increase in workload, but the farm carries on.

Keeping disease out is a vital part of maintaining animal health as many diseases are easily introduced through new stock.

Buying from known sources, testing before moving, quarantine and targeted treatment are all useful tools to keeping the main stock healthy.

Some of these controls also apply to animals returning from grazing. My interview took place on a farm that I last visited in 2001.

Ten years ago, the sheep shed was the grim scene of slaughter. Ten years on, the sights and sounds of new-born lambs, have left me with happier memories.