INFORMATION BULLETIN
Date: 17 October 2007
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960
GB movement ban lifted outside of FMD risk area
Defra confirmed today that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) movement restrictions have now been lifted in most parts of the country.
Following extensive surveillance work, veterinary risk assessment and no further cases of FMD being discovered, all FMD movement restrictions outside of FMD Risk Area have now lifted. The Protection Zone around the Infected Premises in the Surrey area has also been lifted following the completion of surveillance work and will now become part of the wider Surveillance Zone.
The FMD Surveillance Zone and FMD Risk Area remain in place and movement restrictions continue to apply in these areas. The earliest date the Surveillance Zone can lift is 5 November.
Bluetongue movement controls remain firmly in place in England.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Fred Landeg, said:
“From the evidence of the extensive surveillance and epidemiological work that has taken place, I believe there is sufficient evidence to allow the rest of the country, outside of the FMD Risk Area, to return to the movement regime applicable before this outbreak of FMD.
“The risk of disease outside the Risk Area is very low but cannot be completely excluded therefore restrictions still apply within the Surveillance Zone and FMD Risk Area. Enhanced biosecurity measures need to be strictly adhered to by farmers and vigilance is essential. I continue to urge all animal keepers to check their animals twice a day and report any suspicion of disease in their animals immediately. “
Further information
Further information, including a map of the Surveillance Zone and the FMD Risk Area and the restrictions that apply, can be found at
Further information is available via the Defra Helpline on 08459 335577 (open 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday). Farmers can also call the Animal Health 24 hour recorded information line (0844 884 4600) for up-to-date information on the latest developments.
End
Public enquiries: 08459 335577
News releases available on our website:
www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
Page published: 17 October 2007 11:05