Coronavirus: Social distancing walkers warned to avoid cattle

Many famers on the island have cows nursing offspring at this time of year

Walkers looking for new routes during the coronavirus outbreak should stay away from newly born calves, the Manx National Farmers' Union has said.

People are being urged to avoid entering fields where cows are nursing because they can become aggressively protective of their offspring.

The NFU's Danny Creer said getting close to cattle was dangerous.

Islanders have also been asked to avoid footpaths through farmyards so as to avoid spreading the virus to workers.

People on the island have been reminded to practise social distancing while out exercising.

Meanwhile the latest round of agricultural grants have been released nearly a month early, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture said.

Minister Geoffrey Boot said the money would "help ease some pressure during this unprecedented time".

The grants had been due at the end of April.

Financial help for the island's fishermen during the pandemic was announced by the government on Friday.

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