Foot and Mouth Disease - Livestock Movement Ban
04/08/07

A UK-wide ban on livestock movement has been imposed after an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease was confirmed among cattle on a holding at Guildford in Surrey.

photo courtesy of www.jennifermackenzie.co.uk

Foot and Mouth Disease is a notifiable disease of animals and the ban applies to all susceptible species such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Risks to human health are negligible.

A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been set up around the affected area. The Scottish Government says the precautionary measure of a movement ban reflects the significant effect that Foot and Mouth Disease can have on the livestock sector and the wider rural economy. The last widespread outbreak happened in 2001.

Major agricultural shows at Dumfries and Turriff in Aberdeenshire will be allowed to go ahead this weekend but without cows, sheep and goats.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"I would like to reassure all livestock keepers that these are precautionary measures. We are in close contact with the UK Government to ensure that Scotland 's interests are being protected.

"We are taking all steps to minimise disruption to rural activities but biosecurity is of utmost importance. I appreciate that this will be a blow to those involved in the agricultural shows in many parts of Scotland. I have spoken to the organisers of major shows.

"Despite necessary movement restrictions on livestock there are no restrictions on the public and these important events will go ahead."

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Foot and Mouth Disease confirmed in cattle, in Surrey