For 20 years Britain has been a Foot and Mouth Disease free country, until now. The first confirmed case of this highly infectious disease amongst livestock, was in Essex on 21 February and the disease has since spread throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Foot and mouth disease is a quick-spreading virus that can be spread great distances by car tyres, infected animals, or even the wind.
People can also spread the virus from place to place on the soles of their shoes.
All infected animals are being humanely killed and incinerated in an attempt to halt the infection spreading further, and the government is encouraging people to stay away from the countryside until the disease has been controlled. There have been no confirmed cases so far in Gower, but precautionary measures are needed. From 1 March, The National Trust has banned visitors to large areas of common land in Gower and all of its Gower properties . Footpaths across rural areas of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire are also closed. Read the Foot and Mouth Disease FAQ for details.