Standing animal movements regime and biosecurity changes for the autumn

Defra announced that the six day animal movements regime will become permanent. An additional exemption to the standstill has been agreed for the peak sale season.

The exemption will, from August 1 to November 30, allow breeding rams, bulls and goats to leave farms that are under a six days standstill for a market provided they have been placed in a Defra approved isolation facility for six days beforehand. Farmers will also be able to move certain animals without standstill as long as they comply with the isolation requirements. Animals will no longer be allowed to stay on market premises for more than 48 hours.

Speaking today, Food and Farming Minister, Lord Whitty, said:

"These arrangements will deliver the best possible balance between preventing disease and enabling business to continue freely. It is very important that businesses continue to apply strict biosecurity controls".

Other issues such as on-farm inspections, the presence of vets at markets, cleansing and disinfection of markets, the role of dealers and distance limits for livestock movements would be discussed with stakeholders over the coming months as part of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy.