FMD UPDATE 25 FROM NFU WEST MIDLANDS 26/09/07
Contents: Disease situation; farm to farm movements; legal update; Bluetongue; vigilance; contact numbers
DISEASE SITUATION
A 3km Temporary Control Zone has today been put around a premises near Maidenhead, Berkshire within the existing surveillance zone. This is a precautionary measure following a veterinary assessment of clinical signs. Laboratory tests are ongoing.
FARM TO FARM MOVEMENTS
The general licence for certain movements of susceptible animals between premises within the Restricted Zone (EXD450(FMD)(E)) includes a requirement that the owner or keeper of the animals completes the declaration attached to the licence before the movement starts. This licence does not apply to movements from premises in certain parts of the country – see paragraph 2 of the licence. The licence and the declaration can be downloaded from the DEFRA website
This declaration requires the owner or keeper of the animals to confirm that:
· they have read and understood the conditions contained in the licence, and will comply with those conditions;
· they do not consider that any susceptible animals on the premises of origin are showing symptoms of Foot and Mouth disease, or any other notifiable disease;
· the susceptible animals being moved are fit to travel;
· all movement and animal identification legislation has been complied with.
It is important that the person signing the declaration has read and understood the conditions contained in the general licence, and ensures that those requirements are complied with. There is also a section at the bottom of the form for the person moving the animals to complete if they are not the owner or keeper of the animals. It is not necessary to have a vet present when completing this declaration.
This licence only applies to certain movements of pigs, and there are additional requirements for the movement of pigs under this licence. One of these additional requirements is that within 12 hours of the intended movement, a veterinary certificate is obtained, signed by a MRCVS. This veterinary certificate must confirm that:
· There is no clinical evidence of Foot and Mouth Disease or any other notifiable disease in the pigs to be moved or other production units on the premises of origin at the time of the inspection; and
· There is an acute or anticipated welfare problem associated with the pigs to be moved that cannot be resolved without moving them.
It is essential that all the licence conditions are complied with when moving animals, and a conviction for failure to comply could result in penalty of up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
Other key requirements of the general licence are:
· The movement must be direct with no multiple pick ups or drop offs. Stops are permitted with additional conditions.
· Strict biosecurity with the vehicle thoroughly cleansed and disinfected
· Movements must be recorded within 12 hours of the movement being completed
· Ensure good hygiene practice by those moving the animals
· The declaration published with the general licence must be completed (see above)
· Veterinary certificates are required when moving pigs
· The paperwork must accompany the animals during the movement and then be kept on the premises of origin for six months
· The animals must be properly identified and accompanied by the appropriate, completed AML and movements must be reported to the local authority
The licence for farm to farm movements refers to the licence not being able to be used if the farm from which the stock are to be moved has received movement on to the farm in the preceding 20 days. However, this is not the licence that is used to move direct to slaughter (or via collection centre and red market). That licence does not make reference to the 20 day standstill because it does not apply if you are moving direct to slaughter. Therefore, if you are under a 20 day standstill you can still move direct to slaughter.
LEGAL UPDATE
Lawyers acting for NFU have completed their initial research into the claim for legal redress for farmers affected by the FMD outbreak. All papers have now been forwarded to Richard Lissack QC for a detailed view on next steps in the case. Hundreds of NFU members have registered to be part of the group action to recover losses incurred following the movement ban. NFU has retained Thring Townsend Lee and Pembertons to advise and act in this case
BLUETONGUE
DEFRA has today received positive test results for Bluetongue for a fourth animal on a third premises near Ipswich, Suffolk. This animal will be culled. Epidemiological investigations are on-going to establish whether bluetongue disease is circulating in the UK. Action will be in line with the UK Bluetongue Control Strategy, published in August, but will also take account of the current FMD restrictions.
VIGILANCE
It remains essential for animal keepers to practice the highest standards of biosecurity, remain vigilant for disease and report any suspicions immediately. Livestock owners are recommended to examine their livestock twice a day.
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 – 8.00pm
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