Temporary Control Zone Lifted and Livestock Markets in Low Risk Area to Resume

Defra has today decided to amend the current Foot and Mouth disease restrictions so that, subject to no further changes to the disease situation, movements to livestock markets in the Low Risk Area will be permitted from Thursday 4TH October.

This will be subject to stringent biosecurity measures, and the current control measures in the FMD Risk Area remain in place.

Hilary Benn said:

"We have always taken a risk-based and staged approach to movement restrictions. The decision to announce today that livestock markets will be allowed from next Thursday follows extensive discussion with stakeholders, and I know will be of great benefit to the farming and food chain industry in easing economic and welfare pressures. It will also allow time for preparations for markets to take place and for the required biosecurity measures to be applied."

In addition, following negative laboratory results the Foot and Mouth disease Temporary Control Zone in the Maidenhead area has now lifted.

Laboratory tests also show that the strain of FMD found on the seventh infected premises is the same strain as that found on the other premises in Surrey.

Defra has also today received positive test results for Bluetongue for a fifth animal on a fourth premises near Burstall, Suffolk. This animal will be culled.

Defra has sent this information to the OIE, the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Epidemiological investigations are continuing to establish whether the disease is circulating between animals and midges in the UK.

Discussions with stakeholders are continuing about the implications should Bluetongue be confirmed by the Chief Veterinary Officer. Any action will be in line with the UK Bluetongue Control Strategy, published in August, but will also take account of the current FMD restrictions.

Debby Reynolds, Chief Veterinary Officer said:

"Obviously, we must face the very real risk that Bluetongue could already be actively circulating in this country. It will be some time before we have the scientific evidence to confirm whether or not this is the case. Meanwhile as soon as the first Bluetongue case was confirmed on Saturday, we have taken all the necessary measures on a precautionary basis. While our investigations continue it remains essential for animal keepers to, remain vigilant for disease and report any suspicions immediately. Livestock owners should examine their animals twice a day."