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Foot and Mouth disease

Following the case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Surrey on 12 September 2007 Defra has advised that footpaths will be closed in the Protection Zone (http://www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth).

Rights of way and other access arrangements elsewhere remain open and available for use.  Defra is emphasising that “the countryside remains open. There is no need for people to stop visiting the countryside…”

All English Heritage sites remain open as normal. There are no restrictions on non-agricultural vehicle movements in the Protection Zone.  Please follow any local advice from Defra should it be posted in the area.

English Heritage will continue to monitor advice from Defra and will update our advice as necessary.

Guidance on disinfecting historic buildings affected by FMD

The document Gently Does It (prepared in 2001) provides guidance to farmers, contractors, officials and historic environment professionals involved in carrying out or advising on Foot and Mouth related cleansing and disinfection procedures.

GENTLY DOES IT: a procedural and technical guide to managing the cleansing and disinfection of historic farmsteads in the aftermath of the Foot and Mouth epizotic (365 Kb)

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