The Welsh Government has announced that Quarantine Units will be introduced in Wales from 12th June.
The introduction of Quarantine Units (QU) will enable keepers to choose between using an approved QU to manage livestock movements or continuing to adhere to the Six Day Standstill (6DSS) on their whole holding.
The Welsh Government is hoping the new arrangements will simplify the standstill regime and allow greater flexibility for livestock keepers, while maintaining movement control to prevent the spread of disease.
The cost of certification for 18 months, including VAT, is £172.80 for one QU or £244.80 for two.
The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop added: “The alternative arrangements to the Six Day Standstill were developed at the request of, and in close collaboration with the industry.
“They have been worked through systematically, and collaboratively, with the support of Independent Veterinary Risk Assessments.
“I am confident this additional flexibility addresses and resolves issues raised by the industry around the Six Day Standstill whilst not increasing the risk of disease spread”.
'Yet to be convinced'
However, farming union NFU Cymru has reiterated a number of concerns over the detailed rules relating to the implementation of the units.
NFU Cymru Deputy President John Davies said: “We have consistently argued for quarantine units to have sensible, practical, workable and cost effective rules.
“Whilst we are pleased that quarantine units are now available for all classes of livestock, we are yet to be convinced that the current rules fit our core principles and as such we are committed to feeding back the concerns of our members over issues with the implementation of quarantine units.
“After a number of delays Welsh Government confirmed earlier this spring that their intention was to introduce quarantine units from June, with approved isolation facilities being removed at the point of implementation of quarantine units.
“Given the short time scale and lack of detailed information on the requirements of quarantine units in the public domain, NFU Cymru requested a transition period for quarantine units and approved isolation facilities allowing both to run in parallel.
“The lead in time for these changes is insufficient - it is only in the last month that the necessary information to make an application for quarantine units has become available and for many farmers the work required to meet the requirements of the new rules will take time.”
'Practicality'
Mr Davies NFU Cymru is pleased to see that quarantine units have been approved for all animals to help mitigate against the impact of the six day rule on farming businesses.
He continued: “We remain concerned about the practicality over a number of the detailed rules associated with quarantine units.
“This will limit take up of quarantine units, thus restricting the ability of farmers to trade as well as having potential serious impacts on the ability of farmers to be able to take stock to agricultural shows this summer.
“These are issues that we have consistently raised with Welsh Government and will continue to do so at every available opportunity.”
