UK FMD Outbreak Update

November 7, 2007 — 

Effective November 5th, the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has lifted the FMD Surveillance Zone around the outbreak in Surrey. The Restricted Zone and its movement restrictions remain in place, however.

Defra, the EU Commission and Member States have negotiated a relaxation of the current FMD export restrictions on meat and meat products. The decision, which will be enacted in the middle of November, has split the UK into the following three areas;

1. FMD Free Export Area - Meat and products originating from susceptible animals in this area will be eligible for export under normal Community rules subject to certification.
2. FMD Restricted Export Area - Meat and products originating from susceptible animals in this area will be eligible for export provided they meet certain conditions, including providing documentation confirming the completion of a 21 day standstill and residency period (7 day standstill in the case of pigs).
3. FMD No Export Area - Meat and products originating from susceptible animals in this area cannot be allowed to be exported.

Most of the restrictions will remain in place until mid December. A ban on exports of live animals of susceptible species to other Member States will remain. Those premises in the FMD No Export Area and the FMD Restricted Export Area will be subject to continued restrictions, both on exports and animal movements.

Source:
DEFRA