Livestock Markets and Shows Resume After FMD Scare
30/08/07

From 00:01 on Monday 3 September, livestock markets for cattle, sheep, and pigs will be allowed to resume in England and Wales, outside of the Surveillance Zone in Surrey.

photo courtesy www.ccmauctions.com

Also from this date, animals susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease can be taken to shows involving animals, outside of the Surveillance Zone.
Debby Reynolds, Chief Veterinary Officer, said:
“Having considered carefully a veterinary risk assessment of allowing animals to move to livestock markets and agricultural shows, I have concluded that these can restart from Monday as part of our staged risk-based approach to easing movement controls. A number of additional conditions apply while the Surveillance Zone remains in place and it is critical that these are adhered to strictly by everyone involved. This represents another milestone in the good progress we are making towards regaining our disease free status.”

Defra has worked closely with the core group to develop these new arrangements.

The core group said :

“This is an important development for the industry, whilst everyone has been 100% behind the disease control strategy, we have also been mindful that we had to allow the industry to resume operations as soon as the disease status allowed. The return of markets, shows and sales, albeit under tighter controls until the surveillance work is completed in Surrey, is vitally important as they allow planning for the autumn breeding and store sales and will provide much needed boost of confidence to the industry.

“We urge the whole industry to remain vigilant and fully support the operators of markets and shows in complying with the additional controls they must operate under until the controls can be further relaxed.”

Controls within the Surveillance Zone remain unchanged, including rules on standstill arrangements. Any further changes are dependent upon completion of the current surveillance in Surrey, which will not be before 8 September.

Notes

1. Copies of the general licences and conditions that must be met for movements of animals, including to markets and shows can be found on the Defra website. Further advice can be obtained from the Local Animal Health Office or Local Authority.

2. The same conditions apply to livestock markets in Wales, which also restart from Monday.

3. Livestock markets are currently licensed on an annual basis and will receive a letter on the conditions that will apply to holding markets for the time being. Shows and other gatherings are licensed on a specific basis and appropriate conditions will be included in the licence for each event.

4. The core group of stakeholders is comprised of senior individuals from the following organisations, attending in a personal capacity:

Ben Messer Bennetts (Livestock Auctioneers Association)
David Catlow (British Veterinary Association)
Duff Burrell (National Beef Association)
Kevin Pearce (NFU)
Peter Morris (National Sheep Association)
Stewart Houston (British Pig Executive)
Stuart Roberts (British Meat Processors Association)

5. FMD susceptible animals includes camelids, for example alpacas and llamas.

6. Collection centres and dedicated slaughter markets resumed from 00.01 23 August.

7. Defra public helpline (08459 33 55 77) is open Mon-Fri: 9.00am to 5.00pm.

UK Cattle Industry Beware the Blue Tongue threat
FMD Exit Strategy Will Allow Livestock Sector to Plan Ahead
NFU Maps Out Foot and Mouth Road to Recovery