Vote of confidence in UK meat
Thursday, 23 August 2007 12:00 AM
The European Union has lifted a ban on UK exports of animal products after efforts to contain foot and mouth disease appeared to have been successful.
The EU announced live animals and meat products could be exported from outside the surveillance zone in Surrey to the rest of Europe from midnight tonight.
Animals and meat will still be subject to additional veterinary supervision and certification.
Environment secretary Hilary Benn welcomed the relaxation, with the UK's rural economy now on course to avoid the heavy loses inflicted by the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak.
Mr Benn said: "This is a clear demonstration of the confidence which our European colleagues have in the disease control measures that we have taken in this outbreak.
"I would like to thank the chief veterinary officer and her team, Animal Health, local authorities, industry partners and farmers, and all those involved in this outbreak for their rapid response, hard work, and vigilance.
"Co-operation and partnership working have been key to achieving this outcome."
Defra also announced the British-wide ban on the movement of live animals will be lifted from midnight tonight for farms outside the Surrey surveillance zone.
A few restrictions will remain in place, including a ban on animal markets, shows and gatherings.
If animals are moved, they must remained at their destination for 20 days until they can be moved again, unless the secondary destination is less than eight km away and animals are going directly to slaughter.
With no new cases of foot and mouth reported, Defra is preparing to lift the protection zone from noon tomorrow.
The ten km surveillance zone remains in place and a five km temporary Pirbright Biosecurity Area will be enforced around the Pirbright site.
Chief veterinary officer Debby Reynolds said: "The temporary area is a precautionary measure where we will be working with animal keepers and vets to ensure enhanced vigilance is maintained as we await the conclusions of the HSE investigation and the findings of the independent review led by Professor Brian Spratt."
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