Countryside Alliance: Alliance rejects 'knee-jerk' response to farm visit risk

Tuesday, 15 June 2010 12:00 AM

The Countryside Alliance has criticised as "knee jerk" a government report which suggests children should not have contact with animals at open farms.

The Griffin report was set up after the 2009 E-coli outbreak in which ninety three people, including children, became ill. It has today laid out recommendations to prevent such an outbreak happening in the future. The report suggests there should be greater awareness of the "risks of animal contact". The Countryside Alliance fears that the recommendations could have a negative impact on both open farms and the vital education they provide for children and adults alike.

Charley May, who heads the Countryside Alliance campaign for outdoor education said: "The E-coli outbreak at Godstone farm was traumatic for all involved and the Countryside Alliance offers sympathy to all affected. Whilst the severity of the outbreak must be recognised, we also need a proportionate response, and a knee-jerk ban on enabling members of the public to interact with farm animals would be just that.

"Good on-farm hygiene, such as disinfecting animal pens daily and keeping public areas clean, as well as parents and open farm staff ensuring children always wash or sanitise their hands after contact with animals will minimise risk.

"The impact of this report could put the sustainability of open farms at risk. The farming industry has been hit by crisis after crisis in recent years and farmers encouraged to diversify. An overreaction to this regrettable outbreak would simply strike another blow to the industry.

"The Alliance believes all children should be entitled to outdoor education, and this can be done in a safe and sensible manner. We should not create a panic culture where children are cut off from rural Britain, its animals, and the fun and fascinating things our beautiful countryside offers."

Ends.

Notes to editors:

· For further information on the Countryside Alliance 'Outdoor Education campaign visit countrysideclassroom.org.uk

· A full copy of the Griffin Report into the E-coli outbreak can be found at
_blank">www.griffininvestigation.org.uk

For further information please contact the Press Office on 0207 840 9220

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