K9 Bytes

Crufts 2001- Foot and Mouth Update

Feb 2001
 

Crufts 2000 Best in Show
 

The current Foot and Mouth crisis could result in the postponement or cancellation of Crufts 2001 due to start on the 8th March. Those of us old enough to recall will know that all dog shows were cancelled for an extended period during the 1967 outbreak of the disease. The reason for the concern is the fact that dogs, although not affected by the virus, are known to be carriers and therefore can spread the disease.

Over 20,000 dogs converging in one location and then dispersing to every corner of the land creates the potential for greater spread of the outbreak and will no doubt be causing some concern at MAFF and the Kennel Club. It is understood that they met on Friday (23rd Feb) and subject to no further outbreaks everything was still on course for the show. However, since then another six confirmed cases have been reported and the situation must now be under constant review.

Spare a thought for the first international exhibits at this year's show. Even if the show goes ahead, will they come considering the possible difficulties they may experience being allowed to return home from an infected country without some kind of quarantine?

The Kennel Club plan to make an announcement on Friday 2nd March – which is probably the latest date at which the show could be cancelled. We will bring you updates as they become available.
 

The following information has been provided on the MAFF website:

22 February 2001 - Implications for dogs

Any dogs in an area infected with foot and mouth disease must be kept under control by their owners. This means that they must either:

be kept in a kennel or enclosure from which they cannot escape
or
be effectively secured to a fixed object by a collar and chain
or
they must be accompanied by and under the effectual control of the owner or a responsible person authorised by the owner.
If you are in an area declared to be infected with foot and mouth disease you must not let your dog run free; if you do, it may be seized by the local authority or the police and treated as a stray.

In addition, an inspector may serve a notice on anyone in the infected area to keep a dog under specific controls.

Dogs which are kept under proper control are not prevented from being moved. Certain sporting activities involving dogs are not allowed in areas infected with foot and mouth disease. 

Cats are not affected.