Exports resume but controls for some tightened

THE foot-and-mouth export restrictions on meat and meat products will be lifted next week, but movement controls for some farmers will be tightened after a European Union decision this week.

The EU standing committee on the food chain and animal health (SCoFCAH) voted to relax restrictions for a large majority of the UK, providing a return to normality for meat exports after the foot-and-mouth and bluetongue disease outbreaks – live exports are still not permitted.

However, as part of the decision, a 150km Protection Zone has been imposed around Pirbright, Surrey, that will see many farmers' stock ineligible for export as well as being hit by yet more movement restrictions.