Archived News

23rd August 2007
Today has brought some good news.

The Great Britain wide movement ban on live animals will be lifted from midnight tonight, outside of the surveillance zone in Surrey. However any moved animal shall remain in it's new location for twenty days.

From 25 August, live animals and meat products can be exported from outside of the surveillance zone in Surrey to the rest of the European Union with additional veterinary supervision and certification.

The two protection zones in Surrey will be lifted at noon on 24 August. Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds has decided that as a precaution, a 5km radius Temporary Pirbright Biosecurity Area will be put in place around the Pirbright site. The surveillance zone will remain in place.

The easing of control measures will assist with animal welfare and help the livestock industry to start functioning again. Over the past few weeks, feed supplies have been halted within the various zones, livestock markets have been eerily quiet, abattoirs have been shut, milk has not been collected from dairy farms, hauliers have been unable to move livestock and vets have stopped routine farm visits. Hopefully now everyone can get back to their professions and help to produce fine quality British produce.

Back