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Animal Health, an executive agency of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has launched a recorded information line for the farming community to use in disease outbreaks.

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(Media-Newswire.com) - Animal Health, an executive agency of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra ), has launched a recorded information line for the farming community to use in disease outbreaks.

The information line allows farmers, livestock keepers, vets and other stakeholders to stay up-to-date with important news and information, initially about Foot and Mouth Disease and Bluetongue, from the end of a phone.

This new communication channel allows those without regular access to the internet to listen to the latest news by simply dialling 0844 884 4600 instead. The information line will be updated regularly. Calling in costs 5p a minute ( 4.2p plus VAT )

Since June, Animal Health has been sending voicemails, faxes, emails and texts about the emerging disease situation to stakeholders where these contact details are held in addition to addresses. The information line is designed to plug the gap for those who don�t have access to the internet, or who are not receiving regular alerts from Animal Health.

Emergency Information Lines allow large numbers of people to easily access the latest information 24/7 from anywhere in the UK at the same time. The latest recorded message is heard first by the caller who can then press an option to hear previously recorded messages.

The Information line does not replace any functions of the Defra helpline ( 0845 9 335577 ) which is open from 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat-Sun for calls relating to Foot and Mouth Disease and bluetongue.

Further information
For pre-recorded information, available 24 hours a day, phone the Animal Health info line on 0844 884 4600. For helpline assistance contact the Defra Helpline on 08459 335577.

The Defra helpline ( 0845 9 335577 ) is open from 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat-Sun for calls relating to Foot and Mouth Disease.

About Animal Health, ( formerly the State Veterinary Service ): An executive agency of Defra, Animal Health has a central role in preventing, identifying and responding to animal disease in the UK. The agency seeks to protect the health and welfare of animals and minimise the impact of animal health issues on public health, as well as managing and delivering the field response to disease outbreaks.

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Public enquiries: 08459 335577
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