Appendix 1 - Visits to arable farms

SIM 01/2010/02

Introduction

1. 'Arable farm' means:

• 1. Farm premises that have been free of animals which are susceptible to notifiable disease (eg cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, camels, farmed deer, poultry etc) for the four weeks preceding the visit. This includes any of the above animals which are kept as pets.
• 2. Farm premises that do not intend introducing susceptible animals in the four week period following the visit.
• 3. Parts of the farm to be visited that have not been treated with manure or other products from susceptible animals during the four weeks preceding the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Risk Assessment                                                      

2. The risk is to plant health. There are many plant pests and diseases, which could cause serious damage to crops and plants. Official controls and restrictions on the import, movement and keeping of plants, plant pests and other material eg soil are vital to help prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms.

3. Soil inhabiting fungi and nematodes can be spread by small insects, mites and soil carried on footwear, clothing, vehicles etc. Visits to arable farms are deemed to be low risk. However, even where the risk is negligible farmers may perceive a risk from inspectors or other staff who may have visited other farms. FOD staff should be sensitive to that perception, be seen to be taking the additional precautions detailed below and comply with any reasonable requests from a farmer for additional measures. Plant hygiene precautions may determine the sequence of visits.

4. If a serious plant disease or pest is confirmed as present, quarantine measures which include a range of restrictions are likely to be in place. Inspectors and visiting staff should comply with any notices that refer to quarantine soil-borne pests or diseases.

5. Further advice in relation to specific plant health situations can be obtained from the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) for the area in question. Details of PHSI regional offices can be obtained from the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) on tel. 01904 465625 or the FERA website.

Additional biosecurity measures

6. In addition to the general biosecurity measures listed earlier in this guidance, FOD staff should:

• 1. As a minimum, wear suitable footwear which should be cleaned immediately before and after the visit with soapy water;
• 2. If the presence of a quarantine soil-borne pest or if disease is suspected, footwear should be disinfected with an acid-based disinfectant (2% solution) for ten minutes before rinsing off. FOD staff should check that the disinfectant they have been issued with is sufficient for this purpose - see Appendix 5;
• 3. Wherever possible avoid entering arable crops. Keep to headlands and/or public footpaths. If you have to enter an arable crop, wear a disposable overall and dispose of it after use either on farm or back at the office;
• 4. Avoid crossing any yards, lanes, collection areas or fields that are or have been used by notifiable disease susceptible animals in the previous four weeks.