Local farmers hope for best in foot and mouth crisis

Astley farmer John Kirkham who has a herd of beef cattle at Morley's Hall said yesterday: "Obviously all local farmers are concerned about the situation. We have put down straw and disinfectant but this disease can be blown in by the wind. I remember the outbreak of foot and mouth in the 60s at Houghton Brothers in Holcroft Lane. They gathered railway sleepers to make bonfires to burn the carcases."

At Shakerley Old Hall Farm in Tyldesley farmer Alan Blears admitted it was a worrying time. He told the Journal: "We have been spraying disinfectant but it is only a token gesture really -- the foot and mouth virus can be blown 30 miles. People can breathe it in and suffer no ill effects but the following day you could act as a carrier and pass it on." And at Garrett Hall Farm in Tyldesley the Patrick family were taking every precaution to prevent their prize herd of Ayrshire dairy cattle being infected. Movement to and from the farm was being restricted and a disinfectant barrier was in place. Ian Patrick said the farm was self-sufficient at present with enough animal feed to last another month.

"It is a worrying time," said Ian, who said all farming social functions had been cancelled because of the crisis. All local farmers have asked members of the public to use common sense regarding using rights of way across farmland. The scare meant the closed sign has gone up for the moment at Leylands Farm at Mosley Common, a favourite with primary pupils from schools in Wigan borough who enjoy helping with the animals as part of the curriculum. And the animal enclosure is temporarily closed at Lilford Park in Leigh. Wigan Council has taken the precaution of restricting access at country parks including Pennington Flash, Haigh Park and Three Sisters and refuse collections have been suspended from local farms but the situation will be reviewed in seven days.