DEFRA monitors any major, notifiable or new and emerging animal disease outbreaks worldwide. They do this as an early warning to assess the risk the disease may pose to the UK, in particular those diseases which impact on animal health and welfare, international trade, public health or wider society.
The reason why such policies are in place is because diseases are very easily passed onto other animals and sometimes even humans.
To lower the chances of diseases spreading you should follow the advice below:
- All staff should wash with soap and water and dry their hands before eating, drinking or smoking
- All cuts and grazes are immediately washed, dried and covered with a waterproof dressing
- You should not clean buildings and equipment with compressed air, but we regularly disinfect them
- Gloves and a waterproof apron are worn when handling potentially infected material such as birth, muck or sewage products
- Where there are suspected or confirmed cases of animal diseases such as avian flu, you must wear RPE, protective coveralls, boots and eye protection in addition to your gloves
If you suspect a notifiable animal disease you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. Failure to do so is an offence.
