Kirsty Williams AM Calls For Swift Action Following Foot And Mouth Outbreak

2.04.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 6th Aug 2007

Following shocking news of the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, has called for urgent action to ensure that there is not a repeat of the catastrophe that occurred during the last foot-and-mouth outbreak, in 2001. Which cost the economy as much as 10 billion pounds; and struck a crushing blow to the livelihood of both farmers and tourist businesses in rural areas in both Wales and England.

Kirsty said: "This is devastating news for farmers across Wales and couldn't come at a worse time; when many farmers are already facing the threat of financial difficulties as a result of the continuous rain which has left crops at risk. While the government appears to have learnt its hard-earned lesson from its slow response in the 2001 crisis by acting promptly to contain the outbreak and restrict movement it is now also vital that we find out where the virus has come from. "

"I will be looking to the government for a swift investigation into how this potential disaster has occurred. My Lib Dem colleagues and I in both Cardiff and Westminster are calling for an independent review of the biosecurity lab at Pirbright. It would be appalling if it were confirmed that these labs, have been the source of the outbreak."

"It is imperative that the government acts to reassure the agricultural community who still have the only too vivid memory of the destruction left in the wake of the last outbreak at the forefront of their minds. The government must remember that restrictions on animal movement in Wales will almost certainly cause hardship and disruption with breeding sales fast approaching, indeed we have already seen workers sent home from abattoirs; however I support the urges from farming organisations for such action to be enforced in order to minimise the risk of a repeat of 2001."