'Overreaction' to outbreak (From Gazette & Herald)

'Overreaction' to outbreak

CLOSING the countryside to tourists during last year's foot and mouth epidemic was an overreaction, say national park bosses.

North York Moors National Park Authority members also claim the restrictions on animal movements were unacceptable. The authority's criticisms have been highlighted in its response to the Anderson 'Lessons Learned' Inquiry into the foot and mouth crisis.

Members of the national park give their views in a report being submitted to the inquiry as their official response. "Members felt the response to the outbreak had not been proportionate," says the report.

"There was particular concern about the initial mass closure of all rights of way without regard to their proximity to farmland and livestock."

The report adds that animal welfare problems from movement restrictions were unacceptable. "These should have been addressed more quickly," it adds.

"The authority could, in retrospect, have worked in a more targeted way to assist animal welfare problems and to provide detailed biosecurity advice."

York and County NFU chairman Derek Watson agreed with the points raised by the report. "The problem was the rules on movement restrictions were changing day by day," he said.

"Thousands of lambs died needlessly and animals suffered because of the restrictions in the Spring because the Government was not prepared. It is vital we have a blueprint for dealing with the disease if it ever comes back."

A spokeswoman from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "The Anderson Inquiry is an independent inquiry of the handling of the foot and mouth outbreak and we are unable to comment on any submissions to it."

Updated: 11:14 Thursday, April 11, 2002