"Keep it clean," livestock organisations tell industry - UK - Livestock owners, dealers, hauliers, and the public are being urged to 'keep it clean' when visiting markets.

Defra, LACORS, local authorities and the livestock industry organisations have launched a major campaign to remind those who use markets to follow good hygiene practices.

Animal Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said: "The lower the level of biosecurity, the higher the risk of disease. Failure to follow good hygiene practice could see farmers taking more home from market than they expected.

"Good hygiene reduces the risk of spreading disease, and subsequently saves livestock owners money, gives peace of mind and protects farming and rural businesses."

The campaign highlights how good biosecurity is essential, not just when there is a major disease outbreak. Biosecurity helps protect against the spread of endemic diseases like Salmonella and E.coli.

The campaign will remind those at markets of their responsibilities:

• not to bring any clothing, vehicles or equipment contaminated with animal muck on to the market

• to wear suitable footwear and clean and disinfect it on leaving the animal area

• when leaving the animal area, to use the changing and washing facilities to clean any gross contamination from clothes or change into clean clothing

• ensure vehicle wheels, wheel arches and mud flaps are cleansed and disinfected when leaving the market.

Posters and leaflets, advising "Don't Spread Disease - Biosecurity Protects Your Business", are being made available at all markets in England, while special promotions will be piloted at selected locations.

Source: Defra - 16th February 2005