New temporary arrangements for livestock markets and shows outside of surveillance zone

From 00:01 on Monday 3 September, livestock markets for cattle, sheep, and pigs will be allowed to resume in England and Wales, outside of the Surveillance Zone in Surrey. Also from this date, animals susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease can be taken to shows involving animals, outside of the Surveillance Zone. Debby Reynolds, Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

"Having considered carefully a veterinary risk assessment of allowing animals to move to livestock markets and agricultural shows, I have concluded that these can restart from Monday as part of our staged risk-based approach to easing movement controls. A number of additional conditions apply while the Surveillance Zone remains in place and it is critical that these are adhered to strictly by everyone involved. This represents another milestone in the good progress we are making towards regaining our disease free status."

Defra has worked closely with the core group to develop these new arrangements.

The core group said :

"This is an important development for the industry, whilst everyone has been 100% behind the disease control strategy, we have also been mindful that we had to allow the industry to resume operations as soon as the disease status allowed. The return of markets, shows and sales, albeit under tighter controls until the surveillance work is completed in Surrey, is vitally important as they allow planning for the autumn breeding and store sales and will provide much needed boost of confidence to the industry.

"We urge the whole industry to remain vigilant and fully support the operators of markets and shows in complying with the additional controls they must operate under until the controls can be further relaxed."

Controls within the Surveillance Zone remain unchanged, including rules on standstill arrangements. Any further changes are dependent upon completion of the current surveillance in Surrey, which will not be before 8 September.