Live exports resume

AN EU decision to lift all restrictions imposed on farmers following the summer outbreaks of foot-and-mouth has now come into force, opening the door for live exports for the first time since August.

Live exports can now resume from most areas of the country after the decision made earlier this month by the Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) came into force on Friday.

Surrey and the surrounding districts are still under some restrictions, unable to export live animals but now permitted to export meat and meat products.

The UK is now divided into two areas – the Live Export Area in which there are no foot-and-mouth restrictions, and the Free Export Area covering Surrey and the surrounding districts.