Foot-and-mouth export ban relaxed

EU export restrictions for UK meat, imposed due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak, have been relaxed, government officials have confirmed.

Following the EU Commission's agreement, meat and meat products can be exported from some areas.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said a "no export" area remains in place around Pirbright, where the outbreak began.

The export changes are due to be introduced in mid-November.

Defra said the export rule changes now meant the UK was divided into three areas: no export, free export and restricted export.

As well as the Pirbright restrictions, there is a "restricted export area" in the south east of England from which animals (including farmed game) will be eligible for slaughter for export subject to certain conditions.