The NFU is calling on farmers to help get more areas declared foot and mouth free before autumn movement restrictions come into force.
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Areas including Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire could be declared “FMD free” if serological testing is completed before 1 October when the restrictions come in.
This would ease movement restrictions for livestock farmers in those counties and, crucially, reduce the total number of sheep flocks needing routine blood testing before movement licences can be authorised.
The NFU says, with the introduction of changes to the movement restrictions just around the corner, it is essential farmers co-operate fully with testing requests from DEFRA.
Chairman of the NFU’s Livestock Committee Les Armstrong said: “It is crucially important to get restrictions lifted in as many areas as possible before 1 October to reduce the demand for blood tests prior to movement after that date.
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By GlobalData“If we can’t free up counties, there is a real danger that testing resources will not be able to cope. This would cause particular difficulties for those in High Risk Areas desperate to move stock.
“This is a busy time of the year but if you are contacted for animal testing, please help DEFRA carry this out as quickly as possible.”
Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this document, the NFU cannot accept liability for errors and omissions. This information should not be regarded as constituting legal advice, and should therefore not be relied upon as such. NFU©
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