NEWS RELEASE
Date: 20 August 2007
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960
FMD update: collection centres and slaughter markets
Debby Reynolds, Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), has today set out the plans to allow the movement of cattle and sheep direct to slaughter collections and sales from 23 August subject to no alteration to the level of risk.
The core group has continued to work in partnership with Defra to develop joint plans to enable the collection and distribution of livestock direct to slaughter, where the highest level of biosecurity and traceability can be maintained.
CVO Debby Reynolds said:
“These plans form the next step in our ongoing risk-based, staged approach to movement controls. Collection centres and direct to slaughter sales will be able to commence from midnight on Wednesday, operating from Thursday 23 August providing there is no alteration to the level of risk.”
The core group of stakeholders said:
"We have been working in partnership with Defra at the highest level and believe that industry will be delighted with the introduction of these new measures which will help the orderly marketing of stock until normal movements can take place. We particularly appreciate the time and effort of the staff which enabled the introduction of dedicated slaughter markets as well as collection centres. Vigilant and compliant operation of the above is of critical importance. The remaining timetable and therefore our return to normality relies on effective and responsible implementation."
Notes to editors
1. A collection centre is a gathering of animals in one place to sort them into size before going to an abattoir. A dedicated slaughter market will operate on the same basis as a collection centre but in addition allows for buyers to bid for animals on behalf of an abattoir.
2. Operators already approved under the Animal Gatherings (England) Order 2006 should apply to their local Animal Health Office for a licence to operate a collection centre or dedicated slaughter market. A copy of the application form and conditions that must be met can be found on the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/movements/index.htm
and is also being distributed through the Livestock Auctioneers Association.
3. The earliest timetable to disease free status was set out on 15th August and can be viewed at: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/movements/welfare-movements.htm
4. The core group is comprised of senior individuals from the following organisations, attending in a personal capacity:
Ben Messer Bennetts (Livestock Auctioneers Association)
Duff Burrell (National Beef Association)
David Catlow (British Veterinary Association)
Kevin Pearce (NFU)
Peter Morris (National Sheep Association)
Stewart Houston (British Pig Executive)
Stuart Roberts (British Meat ProcessorsAssociation)
5. Defra public helpline (08459 33 55 77) is open Mon-Fri: 9.00am to 5.00pm (8.00am to 8.00pm Mon-Fri and 9.00am to 5.00pm Sat-Sun for enquiries relating to Foot and Mouth Disease).
(Note: the Helpline opening hours changed subsequent to the issue of this news release. For current Helpline hours please see "Contacting Defra")
6. Where farmers are facing acute welfare problems as a result of movement restrictions they can contact the RSPCA Farm Welfare Hotline 0870 7538 333
7. The latest information on the current Foot and Mouth disease can be found on the Defra website: www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth/
End
Public enquiries: 08459 335577
News releases available on our website:
www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
Page last modified: 21 August 2007 09:30
Page published: 20 August 2007 13:00