‘Fantastic news’ - export ban is lifted, says NFU

The NFU has today welcomed a decision by the Standing Committee of Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) and Defra to revise the decision on exports from the UK made after the recent FMD outbreak in Surrey.

The announcement means exports of meat, meat products and live animals can resume with effect from Saturday August 25 from all areas of the UK apart from the remaining small Surveillance Zone of 10km. The 3km Protection Zone will cease to exist.

NFU President Peter Kendall said: "This is fantastic news. It shows SCoFCH is happy with what has been done during the FMD outbreak and is clearly satisfied with the work the farming industry has done with Defra in ensuring the disease was contained within a small area.

"This is a positive move by SCoFCH and will obviously mean a significant change for our members who have remained vigilant and co-operated with Government to bring this situation to an early end."