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.
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.
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