FMD UPDATE 24 FROM NFU WEST MIDLANDS 25/09/07
CONTENTS: Current FMD situation; movements; Bluetongue latest; contact numbers
CURRENT FMD SITUATION
Following negative laboratory results, the two Temporary Control Zones in the Hampshire area have now lifted.
The Foot and Mouth Disease situation is that there are currently seven Infected Premises. Positive test results for FMD have now been confirmed at the site where cattle were slaughtered on suspicion yesterday. The site is within the existing Egham Protection Zone in Surrey and this becomes the seventh Infected Premises since 3 August this year. Minor changes are being made to the Protection Zone (PZ) and Surveillance Zone (SZ) in the area.
MOVEMENTS
We are still awaiting (as at 5.10pm) full details of the general licence which will permit farm to farm movements in the low risk area, subject to certain conditions. Stock cannot be moved until the licence details are published, as farmers will need to check that they can comply with the conditions and that they have signed the necessary paperwork. Check the DEFRA website before moving animals.
Movements will only be permitted under a self-declaration of compliance with the General Licence conditions.
The General Licence conditions are expected to include:
· Reading, understanding and signing a movement declaration
· No multiple pick-ups or drop-offs
· 20-day standstill
· High bio-security, including Cleansing & Disinfection of all vehicles carrying livestock at departure and arrival
· Up to date record keeping
· Pigs must have a pre-movement veterinary inspection, and be moved within 12 hours of inspection. Pigs can largely move under the previous General Licence conditions except that the distance limits of 50km and 100km are removed. However, there should be no scheduled transport stops between premises. No movements of pigs outside an established pyramid structure may take place.
Movements within premises or between separate land parcels that are under the same holding number, premises or ownership may take place for any purpose, providing that full movement records of such movements are maintained.
Livestock may move from the Low Risk Area to both the Risk Area and the Bluetongue Temporary Area, subject to the conditions of the self-declaration and any other additional controls that apply in those areas. Animals may also go direct to slaughter, slaughter sale or collection centre in either area.
A premises with land within the Low Risk Area and the Risk Area will be considered to be part of the Risk Area. Where other overlaps occur, the greatest level of movement control will apply.
BLUETONGUE
DEFRA has confirmed that a third animal has tested positive for Bluetongue. This is on a premises near Lowestoft. At this stage, there is not sufficient evidence to confirm an active outbreak of Bluetongue by the internationally-recognised definition. It cannot yet be demonstrated that the disease is circulating or alternatively is the result of a single incursion of infected midges from abroad. Epidemiological investigations are underway to establish whether bluetongue disease is circulating in the UK.
Active discussions with key stakeholders are continuing to determine what the appropriate measures would be, should an outbreak of Bluetongue be confirmed. Any action will be in line with the UK Bluetongue Control Strategy, published in August, but will also take account of the current FMD restrictions.
In light of the third infected animal being found DEFRA have announced that it would not be appropriate to allow farm to farm movements in the area surrounding the premises from 3.30pm today. This area is Norfolk and Suffolk. Essex is also considered to be at risk of Bluetongue, but as it is also in the FMD Risk Area, farm-to-farm movements would not be permitted in any case.
ANIMAL HEALTH CONTACT DETAILS
Stafford 01785 231900
Leicester 0116 278 7451
Worcester 01905 767111
TRADING STANDARDS CONTACT DETAILS
Herefordshire - 01432 261908
Staffordshire – 01785 277875 (9-5pm Sat, 9-1pm Sun)
Shropshire - 01743 254131
Warwickshire – 01926 414040
Worcestershire – 01905 765709
Telford & Wrekin - 01952 381999
HELPLINES
NFU CallFirst (0870 845 8458) –open 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 2.00pm on Saturday and Sundays
Defra Helpline - 08459 33 55 77
RSPCA Helpline - 0870 7538333
Farming Help 07002 326 326
Ruth Wall
Senior Admin Asst
NFU West Midlands
01952 409245