FOOT AND MOUTH HELL:RURAL LIFE SUFFERING AGAIN

Devastated by the news, farmers in the county can only pray that the disease has been contained, otherwise farms in West Sussex could be vulnerable.

Meanwhile activity on all farms has come to a standstill.

A current ban on all animal movement, means that farmers throughout West Sussex cannot send cattle, pigs or sheep to market. Abattoirs and markets are standing idle and farmers cannot sell their animals. There has also been an impact on bed and breakfast establishments, with people cancelling bookings because they fear a closure of footpaths may be forthcoming.

Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel and South Downs, has received many letters and emails from anxious farmers in his constituency. He said: "The situation is desperately worrying and a body blow for the farming industry. Everybody is hoping that this outbreak will be contained since it is so close to us in West Sussex.

"Already there has been a considerable impact on farming locally. No movement of livestock is allowed, bringing with it a knock-on effect on abattoirs and markets.

"Farmers cannot have fallen stock removed from their farms and this will become an increasing problem. The longer the ban, the worse the impact will be.

"Farming is a fragile industry that has faced one difficulty after another. I am not sure the British public realises what a terrible time livestock farmers have experienced in recent years."

For full story, see West Sussex Gazette August 8