ADVICE FOR FARMERS WITH COVID OR WHO ARE ISOLATING

The Government updated its Advice for people with animals on 29th December which includes farmers working with livestock.  The Farmer Network has also received further guidance from local government that farmers with COVID, or who are isolating, must stay at home and not travel off the farm to tend livestock. This includes farmers not living at the farm, or having to travel elsewhere from their home.  Government advice says: “If you’re unable to care for your horse or livestock either because you’re unwell or because the animal is not kept at your home, you should arrange for someone else who is not self-isolating to care for your animals. If there is no one to help you should contact your yard manager, a vet or your local authority.  You should notify anyone caring for your animals on your behalf in advance that you’re self-isolating and arrange a no-contact service where possible.  Given the level of COVID cases, it is important that you plan for this situation and our Farmer Network Contingency Plan template may help.