Volcano ash threat to livestock dismissed

Volcanic ash can pose a danger to grazing livestock if there is a high fluoride content in deposits which fall to the ground.

But analysis of dust samples collected so far indicates low levels of fluoride in the current Icelandic ash plume.

However, bosses at the National Farmers' Union advised producers that while the risk to animal welfare appears very low they should take a sensible managerial approach.

Dr Thor Thordarson, a volcanologist at the University of Edinburgh, said: "The likelihood that this eruption has any impact on farming or the environment is negligible, mainly because the magma output from this eruption is so small."

Both the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Met Office say there is no significant threat to public or animal health at this stage.

Meanwhile, the Freight Transport Association reports that as British airspace begins to open up it would take a fortnight to clear the backlog of flights and food destined for the UK.

However, the NFU's acting director of communications, Terry Jones, said: "With just one and a half per cent of fresh fruit and vegetables brought into the UK by airfreight, it is likely that this is scaremongering.

"We are monitoring the situation closely but at this stage the risk to animal welfare here from volcanic ash appears to be very low.

"In the event of rain it is anticipated that only very low concentrations of volcanic ash would be deposited in fields and towns. Rainfall over the UK could cause a small amount of the ash to be deposited over the country but quantities are expected to be too small to cause health effects."

Mr Jones said that the incident highlighted the importance of having strong domestic production from UK farmers, something the NFU has been campaigning for strongly, asking for it to be at the heart of whoever forms the next Government of the UK.

"It also demonstrates how vulnerable global agricultural trade could be to extreme climatic events and why we need to invest in a robust and competitive farming sector," he said.

"The NFU has regularly raised the importance of British farming in its Why Farming Matters campaign which emphasises the role of farmers and growers not only in terms of producing food but through their contribution to the national economy.

"The number of people buying British is on the increase and our farmers and growers will strive to keep the supermarket shelves stocked over the coming weeks.

"As we enter the summer, there will be some great seasonal fresh produce available and consumers should look out for asparagus, spinach and strawberries in the coming weeks."

CW 24/4/10