Foot & Mouth Disease
Foot & Mouth is an infectious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, in particular cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer. The disease is serious for animal health and for the economies of the livestock industry.
Whilst foot and mouth is not normally fatal to adult animals it is debilitating and causes significant loss of productivity; for example milk yields may drop or the animals may become lame. In young animals it can be fatal on a large scale.
Any concerns relating to foot and mouth should be directed to DEFRA Department for Environment, Food &Rural Affairs). Their helpline is 08459 33 55 77 and their website is www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth/
Heatwave
During periods of hot weather the Department of Health issue advice on looking after ourselves and others in order to stay safe. Sometimes a Heatwave Alert is issued to enable people to be better prepared.
Each year a Heatwave plan is produced by the Department of Health and is effective from June 1st to September 15th. A leaflet has been produced which provides effective advice and can be obtained by clicking here.
Any concerns relating to health during a Heatwave should be directed to your doctor or NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (available 24/7)
Pandemic Influenza (Swine Flu - H1N1)
For the latest situation and advice, visit NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk or the Health Protection Agency website: www.hpa.org.uk
Anyone who has recently travelled to the affected areas and is experiencing influenza-like symptoms should stay at home to limit contact with others, and seek medical advice from a local health professional or by contacting www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Tel: 0845 4647.
Terrorism
Although Blackpool is not seen as a direct target for terrorism, it is very important that we are prepared and aware of the possibility of an attack. The attacks on New York, Washington and more recently London have made us realise how vulnerable our societies are if such an attack happens.
The Government has introduced new measures to counter the possibility of terrorist attacks and are working closely with local communities to ensure that response organisations have made plans to prevent and if necessary respond effectively to any such attack. |