Cost of bird flu outbreak must not be passed on to farmers

Commenting on the announcement that bird flu has been found in swans in Dorset, Liberal Democrat Countryside Spokesperson, Tim Farron said:

"It is very disappointing that Defra seems to be threatening farmers with an extra tax to pay for the cost of future disease outbreaks. Defra has a clear responsibility to work with local authorities, animal health departments and farmers to prevent the poultry industry from further threats.

"If found to have spread to nearby poultry farms, this latest outbreak could be yet another bitter blow for British farmers following recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth and bluetongue.

"If this does spread to livestock, it will be crucial for ministers and the supermarkets to remind people that poultry is still safe to eat, to limit the effects on farming.

"It is important to identify where these bird came from in order to prevent future outbreaks. An exclusion zone must be established immediately and a comprehensive testing programme put into place in the area affected.

"Defra's attempts to contain and eradicate this disease will not be helped by the substantial cuts recently made to local animal health budgets. Ministers should reverse the cuts immediately and make up the funding shortfall."