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| Going onto Farmland Could Cost You £5,000
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A ban has been imposed on people going onto
agricultural land without permission as the threat of
foot-and-mouth continues.
Anybody who ignores the new rule made by Agriculture
Minister Alex Downie could face a fine of up to
£5,000.
The special order provides for only authorised people
such as farmers and their families, agricultural
workers and other people providing services to the
rural community to have access to farmland.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
has also issued a general authorisation which will
enable a number of other people to have access to
land, which includes members of the emergency, medical
and postal services.
Mr Downie said: 'Foot-and-mouth disease has flared up
again in the United Kingdom just when it appeared to
be dying down.
'We have to protect the Island. The simplest way is to
make sure that agricultural land is used only by the
people who need to be there.'
Contravention of the order is an offence under the
Animal Health Act 1996, and powers to execute and
enforce the act and any orders made under it are
vested in the police.
Mr Downie added: 'We have to keep our guard up against
the threat of foot-and-mouth.
'Four weeks ago I made an order to approve camping at
campsites only where there was no conflict with
livestock interests. This new order continues that
policy.
'Our visitors will know the reasons only too well. I
welcome their help in joining with us to make sure
that the Island stays clear of foot-and-mouth.
'They are welcome to use our plantations, beaches and
most of our glens for recreation.
'But this year agricultural land must be for
agriculture only.'
Any person not covered by the order or general
authorisation must request specific authorisation from
the DAFF.
An authorisation may be granted subject to conditions
and limitations.
The order will expire on September 30.
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