Text alert service to help Scottish rural community handle Foot & Mouth
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After registering, subscribers will receive text alerts with information updates such as relaxation of movement restrictions.
To sign up people should text FMD to 07781 482146 (note that FMD has to be uppercase).
Subscribers will incur a one off charge at thier mobile network provider's standard text message rate to sign up to this service. There is no charge to receive FMD texts.
The new service complements the Scottish Government's other channels for keeping the public informed - helpline, website, and email newsletter. NFUS also runs a range of support services.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:
"This is an anxious time for many people and it is vitally important that they can access accurate information as quickly as possible.
"We are doing all we can to help our rural communities through the current difficulties. The new text message service should be particularly useful to busy farmers often out in fields and all the other groups in the livestock industry whose work means they are out and about.
"This way, they can get an early heads-up on changes will direct affect them and they can plan accordingly. I hope many folk will use it."
The Scottish Government Foot and Mouth helpline number is 0845 155 3366.
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Scottish Government [Scottish Executive]
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