Chief Veterinary Officer teaches children about biosecurity at Royal Welsh

Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Christianne Glossop met children and young people at the Royal Welsh Show today to teach them about the importance of effective biosecurity.

The CVO carried out a number of exercises with the children including playing with “invisible” germ, shaking hands and a “dirty or clean” challenge.

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about how germs and bugs are spread and the importance of thorough cleaning in preventing highly infectious diseases such as Foot and Mouth disease.

Leaflets about biosecurity were also handed out during the Show and shared with partner stands to raise awareness of the importance of the issue.

Biosecurity is the way farmers and owners of farm animals can reduce the risk of disease. It is essential to reduce disease spread, particularly of highly infectious diseases such as Foot and Mouth disease.  Good biosecurity practices provides peace of mind, healthy stock and a more viable business.

The Chief Veterinary Officer, Christianne Glossop said:

“An outbreak of disease can have a devastating effect on livestock, farmers’ livelihoods and our rural economy. That is why keeping animals healthy and preventing the spread of disease is my absolute number one priority.

“Biosecurity is our first line of defence against serious notifiable infectious diseases. It helps ensure animals remain healthy, prevents the spread of diseases and can improve farms’ efficiency and profitability.

“The children I met today could one day be the farmers of the future. It’s vital therefore that we educate them in a fun but also informative way about the importance role biosecurity plays in keeping animals healthy and maintaining a healthy, vibrant countryside.”