Archived News

10th October 2007

Having completed various exemption forms today to apply for cattle movements, Laurence then phoned a vet at the Institute of Animal Health to ask whether a veterinary inspection would be required before the cattle moved.  A lengthy conversation ensued, detailing the location of the main farm holding, the fields inside the SZ and the location of the cattle outside the SZ which are in great need grass.

The vet took a very pragmatic approach, made a risk assessment on the information given and has decided that the EXD100 exemption is not required.  He suggested we print off a general license to move the cattle and just take it with us when the cattle are moved across the road from one side of the valley to the other.   To be sure that we are not flouting any regulations, Laurence has asked the vet to put in writing his agreement to three groups of cattle being moved even though we are still technically classed as within the SZ.

Once the cattle have moved they will be placed under a 21 day standstill and after, that if any are ready to go to the abattoir the vet thought this will also be possible. 

From an animal welfare point of view this news couldn't have come too soon. The first group will be moved in the morning. Back