16/08/07
The NFU has welcomed the announcement by the Chief Veterinary
Officer of further relaxations in movement controls and a timetable
for lifting the FMD restrictions saying they are crucial, both
in alleviating current problems and allowing the industry to plan
ahead.
NFU President Peter Kendall said: “The publication of this
timetable will enable farmers, processors and indeed the whole
industry to plan their marketing in a more consistent way over
the coming weeks. It is vitally important we get the markets back
to normal and exports resumed as soon as possible.
“If all goes to plan we will see collection centres up and
running by the end of next week and livestock markets reinstated
in early September.
“The economic impact inflicted by this outbreak will still
be significant but these announcements will certainly help to limit
the damage. If we are able to lift restrictions, little more than
five weeks after the initial outbreak, it will be a remarkable
achievement.
“The fact the CVO has been able to make this announcement
is a tribute to both the speed and determination with which this
outbreak has been tackled, and the very close co-operation between
Government and key industry bodies including the NFU. I would like
to congratulate the whole industry and Defra on working together
to achieve this goal.
Provided there are no further outbreaks, and all other things
being equal, the timetable sets out the following key milestones:
- August 16: Movements on welfare grounds to
be allowed within holdings up to a distance of 3 km
- August 23: Movements allowed
within holdings up to a distance of 3km for any reason
- August
23: Collection centres permitted to ease movements of livestock
to abattoirs (this will be of particular value to smaller farmers)
- August 23: EU committee meets to consider
possible easing of export restrictions
- August 24: Lifting of Protection Zone in Surrey
- August 26: First possible date for easing
of export ban, possibly to allow exports of meat and livestock
products from outside the Surveillance Zone
- September 9: Lifting of Surveillance Zone
- September 10: Lifting of all remaining restrictions
on livestock movements, complete lifting of export ban and resumption
of livestock markets
- Early November: UK’s FMD-free status restored by OIE
New Foot and Mouth Disease Scare in Kent
FMD Restrictions Continue to Unwind but Vigilance Still Key
The Glorious 13th - A Shot in the Arm for the Rural Economy |