Do not visit a farm or farmland unless absolutely necessary. Do not travel from farm to farm.
Avoid gatherings such as sports events or agri-events.
Follow strict cleansing procedures, which could include leaving your vehicle outside the farm, disinfecting boots, and wearing boots or clothing supplied by the farm.
Do not let children accompany you. If this is unavoidable, they, too, must disinfect to the required standard.
On the farm: visit only essential locations. Visit stock only if necessary - ensure you have the owner's permission.
Leaving the farm: ensure that mud, slurry and manure is washed off before leaving the premises.
Disinfectant (and water, if needed) should be carried in vehicles at all times.
Apply disinfectant after washing. Spraying is the best method. Spray even if wheel dip and disinfectant mat is in place. Do not forget tyres and underside of vehicle.
Disinfect all clothing and boots before putting them in your vehicle.
Disposable items should be left on the farm or sealed in a plastic bag. Dispose by burning.
Dates and times of all visits to farms and contact with animals should be recorded. If there is an outbreak, these can help to trace movements and spread of disease.
People should arrange for deliveries of post, feed, oil etc to the farm gate. Do not enter farms unless disinfection is provided.
Farmers should not spread slurry until further notice.
Farm access should be restricted to one point.
Farmers should place a disinfectant mat or tray soaked in disinfectant at the entrance to a farm. Change or clean mat or tray daily.
Use an approved disinfectant, but if one is not available use a solution of washing soda at 5 per cent dilution or a citric acid solution at 2 per cent dilution.
Ensure that mat or tray is wide enough for all vehicle wheels and deep enough to ensure that a full rotation of the wheel is disinfected.
Bring all dead animals to the farm entrance for disposal to the knackery service.
Anything suspicious should be reported to the Department of Agriculture.
Information compiled by Declan Fahy from the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture in the UK.