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Foot-and-mouth restrictions relaxed

18/08/2007

Farmers will be able to move calving cows up to 50km under the latest easing of restrictions on cattle movement by the government.

The clampdown on cattle movement, imposed after an outbreak of the disease at Woolford Farm in Surrey on August 3rd, was partially lifted from 00:01 BST this morning by chief veterinary officer Debby Reynolds.

Although the new movement licences are a relaxation, strict rules governing their usage remain in place. Cattle can only be moved after passing an examination proving they are free from foot-and-mouth and must not be moved within the protection and surveillance zones in Surrey.

Furthermore, the movement of any animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth at the site of a proposed transfer in the past 20 days would prevent the movement from taking place.

A Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said the decision to allow the relaxation came after Dr Reynolds held "extensive discussions with industry representatives".

Dr Reynolds said on Wednesday that the chances of the disease spreading beyond the original protection and surveillance zone were "very low" but added that "vigilance and biosecurity remain top priorities for all".

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