FMD export restrictions lifted for the whole of the UK

EXPORT restrictions imposed on British farmers following September's foot-and-mouth outbreaks will be lifted in two weeks time, after a decision in the EU last night (Monday, December 3).

The decision by the Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH) will lift all restrictions, allowing the export of meat and meat products as well as live animals from most of the UK.

Whilst export restrictions were lifted for many in November, a ban on live animal exports was still in place.

Following no further outbreaks of the disease since 30 September, SCOFCAH took the decision to relax that rule.

Welcoming the decision, Anna Davies of the NFUS said: "This is extremely good news and will be especially welcomed by dairy farmers who have been prevented from exporting live animals since foot-and-mouth first hit Surrey in August.