9 August 2007

2 minute read

Europe

However, the GB-wide ban remains firmly in place for other animal movements and will be rigorously enforced.

Restrictions will continue to be reviewed in the light of any adverse developments.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:

"This is good news for farmers particularly in the south of Scotland and for others who regularly send livestock over the border. It is also good news for meat processors helping to ensure vital markets are supplied.

"The Scottish government has been working flat out all week to ensure that we can respond quickly at every approporiate stage to help get this vital Scottish industry up and running again.

"This is another welcome step in that process."

Restrictions will continue to be reviewed in the light of any adverse developments.

Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer Charles Milne said:

"On the basis of a veterinary risk assessment, I am confident that we can proceed with this relaxation on a strictly controlled basis.

"But it is essential that we remain vigilant and maintain all other protective measures already in place."

This relaxation applies only to movements for direct transfer for animals to abattoirs across the Scotland/England border.

From Wednedsay this week, abattoirs in Scotland have been permitted to move animals direct from premises in Scotland to Scottish abattoirs. Similar relaxations were brought in from today in England and Walies

The effect of this measure is restore cross-border usiness as usual but subject to the strict biosecurity rules governing animals going direct from farm to slaughter.