EU meat import ban partly lifted

The EU is again allowing meat imports from Scotland, Wales and parts of England in the wake of the bluetongue and foot-and-mouth outbreaks.

The move applies to farms at low risk of both diseases, which excludes parts of south-east England and East Anglia.

Farmers say restrictions they must comply with are so complicated that only a minority can take advantage.

Meanwhile, the Surrey foot-and-mouth protection zone will be lifted on 17 October and become a surveillance zone.

The ban on the movement of animals in areas at low risk of foot-and-mouth will also be lifted on the same day.

The changes assume there is no further development of the disease in the meantime.

The protection zone is surrounded by a 10km (6.2-mile) surveillance zone where lesser restrictions apply.