Relief for livestock farms as government eases foot and mouth disease movement restrictions
The NFU has welcomed the Government's decision to ease foot and mouth disease movement restrictions across a large part of England and Wales as a vital first step in getting the livestock sector back on its feet, and has endorsed Defra's move to impose a temporary surveillance zone around the single case of blue tongue in Suffolk as a sensible precaution.
"This will come as a huge relief to livestock farmers who desperately need to move or sell their animals, and should at least reduce the danger of this becoming a welfare and economic crisis for many farmers", said NFU President Peter Kendall.
"From our talks with Defra vets, we are satisfied that movement controls can be relaxed in areas well away from the disease outbreaks in Surrey without risking further spread.
"But we must remember that farmers across a large part of South East England, where there is still a risk of FMD, remain unable to move their livestock, other than direct for slaughter, and still face very severe problems. The key to resolving that situation is stamping out every last vestige of infection and that demands continued vigilance from everyone."
"The conclusion from Defra's epidemiological investigations that the disease may have survived undetected on the IP5 premises for several weeks, despite veterinary surveillance visits as well as the farmer's own inspections, demonstrates just how difficult it can be to spot.
"Whatever has happened, we know that in order to eradicate this disease, it is critical that surveillance and vigilance from both Defra and farmers is maintained at the highest possible level over the weeks ahead. Anyone going on or off farms in Surrey must operate to exemplary standards of biosecurity. The NFU is committed to working with Defra in eradicating the disease in Surrey."
Mr. Kendall added that although the easing of movement restrictions would be an important first step in getting the livestock sector back on its feet, the damage inflicted by this outbreak will still be huge.
"That is why we will be holding urgent talks with Ministers and officials to put together a recovery package that will make a worthwhile difference and will be legal under EU rules.
"Failings at a Government-regulated research facility caused this crisis. The Government therefore now has a clear responsibility to help the livestock industry recover."
Referring to the case of the disease bluetongue on a farm near Ipswich in Suffolk, and the Government's decision to impose a temporary surveillance zone whilst further testing is carried out, Mr. Kendall said that this was a sensible precaution.
"We are all desperately hoping that this will be just an isolated case and that the blood tests on livestock in the area will come back negative. But in the meantime, we have to take the attitude of better safe than sorry."
