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21/09/07
Cattle farmers who want to take immediate advantage of eventual
relaxations in the movement of non-slaughter stock are advised
to keep an eye on their TB pre-movement testing.
The National Beef Association fears that if pre-movement tests
are delayed, and a queue forms, there will not be enough vets on
hand to test store and breeding cattle that owners are already
anxious to see the back of – and many will be extremely frustrated
if they cannot move their animals as soon as permission is given.
“Although TB tests are currently confined to cattle that do not have to
cross a road to be tested a full 88 per cent of herds that required a full test
in August were visited,” said NBA director, Kim Haywood.
“However the number of pre-movement tests has eased off dramatically even
though Defra is still insisting that non-slaughter stock will not be able to
be moved unless they have been tested within the past 60 days.”
“This leaves owners in a tricky position because there is still no indication
of when FMD restrictions on store and breeding stock will be relaxed and some
are certain to be disappointed if everyone waits for the green light and rings
their vet for an appointment at the same time because there will not be enough
available to give full cover.”
“Being obliged to keep cattle at a time they can be moved is something
to be avoided so owners should keep a careful watch on FMD developments and do
their best to make sure they are not caught out by the 60 day requirement when
permission to move their stock eventually comes through,” Ms Haywood added.
 Some Relief As Animals Allowed To Move Within Farms
FMD Pressure on Livestock Farmers Intolerable
NFUS Proposes Options to Alleviate FMD Crisis
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