A COUPLE who were the first in Wensleydale to fall victim to foot-and-mouth have designed their own defence system.

A 20ft long and 9ft wide vehicle disinfectant dip now stands guard on the only track to Raygill House Farm, between Bainbridge and Hawes.

Mr William Lambert and his wife, Claire, lost their 60-cow dairy herd and 150 ewes when the disease struck at the beginning of March.

"We still don't know how it got on to the farm but, having had foot-and-mouth, the last thing we want is to get it again," said Mrs Lambert.

The couple introduced strict disinfectant procedures imediately the first outbreak occurred in Northumberland. They had lived as virtual prisoners on the farm, venturing out only for essential supplies, and were devastated when, despite everything, the disease was confirmed.

But, having taken over the running of the farm four years earlier and after putting all their efforts into improving the stock, they were - and still are - determined to re-stock.

"Some people may think we have gone over the top with the dip but we believe biosecurity measures are going to be with us for a long time to come," said Mrs Lambert.

Mr Lambert came up with the idea and designed and largely constructed the dip himself. The track was levelled and the dip was built out of concrete to contain disinfectant 2 inches deep.

"It can take any vehicle which comes to the farm, and the biggest tractor tyre," said Mr Lambert. "It will take a tractor and trailer and lorries such as a milk tanker."

The disinfectant lasts for about two weeks, when Mr Lambert cleans it out and puts in a fresh supply. The design is far more effective than the knapsack-type sprays usually used at farm entrances.

"It also means that, every time we come on to the farm, we don't have to get out of the car, put on overalls, spray the wheels and get changed again," said Mr Lambert. "You simply drive slowly through on both leaving and entering the farm. It is far more effective."

Raygill House Farm has been declared free of the disease for several months but the Lamberts have no idea when they will be able to re-stock. They do not want to rush into it as there is evidence from the 1967 outbreak that some farms were hit twice when bringing in fresh animals too quickly.

The Lamberts are concerned that cases are still occurring in North Yorkshire and just over the border in Cumbria, yet the government wants footpaths re-opened. They question this in areas where farms are still under restrictions.

For more information on Mr Lambert's dip, contact him on 01969 667 328.