It’s like foot and mouth – except victims are human

The farming community should think of Covid 19 as being like foot and mouth – but affecting humans.

Despite the focus and attention given by farmers at this time of year to the spring rush of sowing crops, calving and lambing, a country GP has warned that the industry is not immune from the ravages of Covid 19 – and precautions still need to be observed.

In a message to NFU Scotland members from one of their own, Dr John Locke – who as well as working for the Solway medical practice serves as the union’s Stewartry branch chairman – offered some expert advice as to how farmers and crofters should be going about their business during the pandemic.

‘When looking across a sunny lambing field or ploughing while listening to music the idea of a global Covid-19 pandemic seems like another planet,” said Locke. “However, there is a massive rise coming and the NHS is ramping up their capacity and cancelling all routine work so we must take infection control very seriously. Think of this like foot and mouth but affecting humans.”

He said that while for many it could be a mild illness it could still put sufferers in bed for three days and leave them feeling exhausted for two weeks – while the prospect for the elderly could be much more severe.

And he asked the industry to observe the government advice around hygiene and isolation: “It is exactly the same as you would do in the parlour or in a pneumonia outbreak.”

He said even in the countryside people should stick to their own houses and not mix with others and if this was necessary, to stay two metres apart. “Do not allow anyone to visit unless essential for work or safety issues. It seems rude but it will save lives. This is because some will be infectious with mild symptoms.”

And he repeated advice on hand washing and to avoid touching your face.

“Delivery drivers should not have direct contact. Arrange a drop-off point for frequent deliveries. Get them to sign the pad or sheet. Do not use their pen.

“Keep to the same vehicle, wipe down control levers, do not travel in the same cab if possible and contractors should stay in or close to their tractor. No wandering around chatting to others,” he advised.

“If you are ill – fever or harsh cough – then you must isolate. This is difficult at a busy time but on average you will infect another three people by contacting others. There are financial impacts too which make decisions to stay at home harder which the government is trying to address.”

And he advised farmers to make sure they kept themselves safe: “The NHS does not want to spend time dealing with careless accidents or self-inflicted illnesses. There may not be an intensive care bed to treat you after falling off a ladder.

“Finally, wave to your neighbour, phone them if you know they work alone and check that vulnerable folk are getting supplies.”