Foot and Mouth Questions and Answers
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Foot and Mouth Questions and Answers
North Devon is very much open for business. However, there may be some questions about FMD that you would like answered before taking the decision to holiday in the area:
Q. What is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)?
FMD affects animals in the families Bovidae (cattle, sheep, goats, antelope) and Suidae (pigs, warthogs). It is a highly infectious viral disease, in which fever is followed by the development of blisters (mainly in the mouth or on the feet). There are seven main types of virus producing similar symptoms, which can only be differentiated in a laboratory.
Q. Can people contract Foot and Mouth Disease?
FMD is not a threat to human health and cannot be caught by eating infected meat. There has been a lot of coverage in the media about farm workers alledgedly catching the disease. So far, all of the tests have proved negative.
Q. Is it safe to holiday in North Devon at the moment, or will I risk spreading the disease?
North Devon is very much open to visitors but in order to minimise the risk of further spread of the disease; certain restrictions are in place including the closure of footpaths, bridleways and cycleways. Visitors are also urged to stay away from farmland and properties close to livestock.
Q. Can I drive into North Devon?
There are no restrictions or need to disinfect when driving into North Devon. The easiest route is from Junction 27 off the M5. The A361 then brings you directly into the heart of the region. If you are coming from or passing through another infected area to get to North Devon, please ensure that you clean your car and tyres at the earliest possible opportunity.
Q. Can I take a coach or train to North Devon?
There are no restrictions by rail. The scenic Tarka Line from Exeter to Barnstaple connects with intercity trains. National Express, together with the local bus network also continues to serve the main resorts in the area.
Q. Will I see burial sites or carcasses being burned?
The images that have been in newspapers and on television were taken at a limited number of dedicated sites for pyres or burial which, in the majority, were situated away from main roads, restricted and out of sight. There have been no more pyres lit since 4th May so you will not see any or be at any risk from them.
Q. Can I bring my dog on holiday?
First, check with your accommodation provider that pets are welcome. If so, remember that the owners must keep any dogs in an area infected with FMD under control. This means that they must either:
- Be kept in a kennel or enclosure from which they cannot escape.
- Be effectively secured to a fixed object by a collar and chain.
- Be accompanied by and under the effectual control of the owner or a responsible person authorised by the owner.
Q. Can I walk my dog on the beach?
Many of North Devon’s beaches are privately owned and therefore have different restrictions in place. Please contact a local Tourist Information Centre for details. For a full list of local Tourist Information Centres and contact details, refer to the ‘Attractions and Activities’ section under ‘Latest News’.
Q. Are attractions in North Devon open?
All the attractions (There are over 90 !)are open and welcoming visitors . For a full list of attractions and opening times, please refer to the ‘Attractions and Activities’ section under ‘Latest News’.
Q. Can I go to the beach?
All of North Devon’s glorious golden beaches are open, including Woolacombe, Putsborough, Croyde, Instow , Westward Ho! Combe Martin and Lynmouth. Many of North Devon’s beaches currently have dog restrictions in place but it is still possible to walk your dog on beaches in the area. Please contact a local Tourist Information Centre for details. For a full list of local Tourist Information Centres and contact details, refer to the ‘Attractions and Activities’ section under ‘Latest News’.
Q. Is it ok to surf and enjoy other watersports?
Surfing and water sports enthusiasts can enjoy their sports to the full at Saunton, Woolacombe, Putsborough, Croyde and Westward Ho! You will find approved surfing schools and many surf shops open for business. There is also an activity centre based in Appledore offering RIB powerboat rides, surfing, canoeing and lots more.
Q. Can I visit or drive through Exmoor National Park?
If you are planning to visit Exmoor National Park, all the towns and villages are open and accessible, but most bridleways and footpaths are closed. See http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/ for additional information or telephone the helpline on 01598 322322.
Q. Can I visit towns and villages?
All of North Devon’s towns and seaside villages can be explored at leisure including Barnstaple, Braunton, Woolacombe, Croyde, Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Lynton and Lynmouth, South Molton, Bideford, Appledore, Westward Ho! Clovelly, Hartland and Great Torrington.
Q. Is the Tarka Trail and Coast Path open?
Sections of the Tarka Trail and Coast Path are now open (see Foot and Mouth Attractions and Activities) and other restrictions are under constant review and changes are taking place on a daily basis. So please keep revisiting http://www.thenorthdevon.com/ where you will be able to obtain up to date information on FMD restrictions in North Devon.
Q. Can I stay on or near a farm?
Despite the FMD outbreak it is still possible to stay on a farm, as many are non-working farms, or have not been affected by FMD. You may even find some offering additional activities and attractions on-site, particularly near to Exmoor. If you are in any doubt, check with your accommodation provider or a local Tourist Information Centre. For a full list of local Tourist Information Centres and contact details, please refer to the ‘Attractions and Activities’ section under ‘Latest News’.
Q. Can I visit National Trust Properties?
The National Trust has closed all land and property near any livestock. However, Marine Drive Car Park in Woolacombe and car parks at Baggy Point are now open. If you keep revisiting http://www.thenorthdevon.com/ you will be able to obtain further information on FMD restrictions as and when they are lifted.
Q. Can I visit Lundy Island?
Lundy Island lies just twelve miles off the mainland coast and has been open from 7th April for both day trip and short break visitors. The island ferry, MS Oldenburg, will also be resuming its normal service from the same date sailing out of either Ilfracombe or Bideford (dependent on tide).
Q. Have any festivals or events in the area been cancelled?
North Devon’s Walking Festival has been postponed to 21st to 24th September. However, visitors to North Devon will come across traditional fairs, carnivals and other events. The Appledore Arts Festival starts on 31st May. From the 9th to the 24th June, North Devon will be holding its third Arts Festival with an array of international stars including the Bolshoi Ballet, Suzanne Vega and Cleo Laine, complimented by a full and varied programme.
Q. Can I play golf in North Devon?
Golfers can play a round at all but two of the region’s many courses. For a full list of accessible golf clubs and opening times, please refer to the ‘Attractions and Activities’ section under ‘Latest News’.
Q. Can I go fishing in North Devon?
For a full list of accessible fishing lakes and opening times, please refer to the ‘Attractions and Activities’ section under ‘Latest News’.
Q. Will I be able to buy local produce?
You can visit all of North Devon’s traditional pannier markets and buy scrumpy, farmhouse cheeses, honey and a range of fresh fish and meat, as the Food Standards Agency has advised that the disease has no implications for the human food chain. Properly cooked meat kills the virus and it would not be in sufficient quantities to get past the human body’s natural defence system. For a full list of Pannier Markets and details on shopping, please refer to the ‘Attractions and Activities’ section under ‘Latest News’.
Q. Can I visit rural pubs and restaurants?
Yes. Many of North Devon’s wonderful pubs and restaurants are open for business. In rural areas you may see disinfected mats or straw on the road and on entrances to some properties and car parks. These have been put down as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of FMD.
Remember that any restrictions imposed are there to prevent the spread of the disease to animals, not because human life is at risk. If you are in any doubt, please telephone your accommodation provider or a local tourist information centre before travelling to the area.
For daily updates and further information keep visiting http://www.thenorthdevon.com/ Copies of the North Devon Holiday and Accommodation Guide are available via the website or by calling 01271 336070.