This document was produced by MAFF as a specific response to the FMD outbreak in the UK in 2001 and was made available on their website. Risk Assessments and specific recommendations related to the conditions in the field at the time and should be viewed in this context as they may not be applicable to outbreaks occuring under different circumstances.
Foot and mouth disease
Taken from Website June 2001

FMD: Measures to Allow Movement of Big Bale Silage within a Protection Zone

1. What type of premises can big bale silage be moved from?

Big bale silage may be moved from premises where all the foot and mouth susceptible livestock have been slaughtered because that premises was a dangerous contact to a confirmed case of foot and mouth. This includes premises slaughtered out as being contiguous.

2. What premises can big bale silage be moved to?

Any premises within the same protection zone (PZ) as the premises in Q 1 or to a premises in an adjacent PZ provided the journey does not leave the PZ and the premises are no more than 5km apart with the most direct road journey being no more than 10 km.

3. When can big bale silage be moved ?

Movements can only take place after preliminary disinfection of the Dangerous Contact premises has been completed.

4. Can any silage be moved ?

No - only big bale silage made before 31 December 2000 and still in the original, intact, undamaged coverings (either bags or plastic wrapping) can be moved

5. What cleansing and disinfecting is needed?

Before lifting the bale the outer surface of the bag must be cleansed and disinfected paying particular attention to the place where the spike will be inserted. This must be with a disinfectant approved as effective against foot and mouth disease (FMD).

The spike, grab and all parts of the tractor that the bale may come into contact with must be cleansed and disinfected with an FMD approved disinfectant before handling the bale.

Once the bale is lifted clear of the ground, any parts of the bale not cleansed and disinfected previously must then be so treated bearing in mind all relevant Health and Safety requirements are satisfied.

6. How can these disinfected bales of silage be moved within the farm of origin?

Within the farm where the bales are being taken from they must be carried individually using a tractor mounted spike or grab. Bales may not be moved within the farm of origin on a trailer.

The bale must then be taken to the farm boundary by a route avoiding, where possible, any buildings, farm equipment etc that have not yet been fully cleansed and disinfected.

At the farm boundary the bale must be either:

• left in such a way that it can picked up without the collecting vehicle entering the premises or
• dropped over the farm boundary.

7. How is the bale of silage taken to the farm of destination?

Before leaving the premises to collect the silage remember that the premises is under Form D (because it is in a Protection Zone). This means that the Form D rules in respect of personal and vehicle cleansing and disinfection must be obeyed.

• A trailer may be used to collect the silage but ensure it is also cleansed and disinfected. Do not enter the premises from which the silage is coming.
• Bales must be picked up and, if required, loaded onto a trailer outside the boundary. Before finally unloading the bale it must again be disinfected. This can either take place as it is picked up or when it is unloaded.
• Before using for any other purpose, any tractor, trailer or other equipment used to move bales, must be cleansed and disinfected. Maintain existing bio-security measures to protect livestock from infection.

8. What licences do I need to move big bale silage under this scheme ?

The movement must be licensed by a veterinary inspector. The license will require the above conditions to be followed, specify the total number of bales to be moved and the date when the movement must be completed. Any subsequent movements will require a further licence.

9. How do I apply for a licence?

Contact the licensing section at the Animal Health Divisional Office.

10. How do I find out if I am eligible for this scheme?

Contact the AHDO or the MAFF staff who may be on the farm to carry out cleansing and disinfection. However licences can only be issued by the AHDO.