Business information

What to do if disease is suspected

Animal disease can strike anywhere anytime.

Guidance
In practice, if you suspect signs of any of the notifiable diseases such as foot and mouth, swine Fever, Rabies or Avian Influenza etc, on any premise within Hertfordshire you must immediately notify Animal Health at Chelmsford:

Email: AH.Chelmsford@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 01245 358383
Fax: 01245 351162
Nightline: 01245 353632

Also contact Hertfordshire Trading Standards on 01727 813849 or your local Police Station (as you have a statutory duty to inform the authorities).

Monitoring Stock
Vigilance and good stockmanship are vital in the fight against animal disease

Monitoring your stock carefully and remaining vigilant for signs of animal disease are essential ways of reducing the risk of disease and preventing the spread of disease during an outbreak. It is recommended that you inspect your stock regularly, particularly focusing on the mucous linings lining of the mouth and nose and the coronary band (where the hoof stops and the skin starts).

Current Animal Health Diseases and Guidance
The DEFRA website has information about all of the current animal health diseases and other related issues.  This can be found by following the external signpost to “Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs” the choosing “Animal Health and Welfare”.

If you visit their website, you can access all of the relevant orders and legislation. Alternatively you can contact their helpline on:
DEFRA helpline: 08459 335577

Contact Details
Hertfordshire farmers can also contact Trading Standards for further advice on:
Tel:  01727 813849
Fax: 01727 813877

Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00