Trading Standards and police officials are to
step up surveillance over the illegal movements of livestock
following reports from within the farming community that
foot-and-mouth restrictions are being flouted.
Staffordshire’s Trading Standards officers and police mounted
road-side checks on main arterial roads on Tuesday (7 August) after
receiving calls from farmers concerned over illegal movements,
explained Tony Shore, the authority’s animal health team leader.
“We are working closely with the farming community but those who
abuse restrictions are putting the whole industry in
jeopardy.”
Anyone caught moving livestock illegally face a fine of up to
£5000 and a jail term of up to six months, he explained. “We take
this very seriously. Anyone with information can call the team and
we will respond. Likewise, if anyone within the county is unsure of
the restrictions and needs to know what they can or cannot do then
call the team on 01785-277875 and we will advise them,” added Mr
Shore.
The incidence is not isolated to the county. Officials in the
neighbouring counties of Cheshire and Derbyshire have confirmed to
FARMERS WEEKLY they were also following up reports on illegal
movements.
Neil Wrench, lead officer with
Cheshire County Council, confirmed officials
arrived on at one site to find one vehicle and driver with an
apparent intention of moving stock following a tip-off. “The
presence of our officers ensured the person concerned decided to
change their mind.”
In a separate incident a vehicle suspected of carrying livestock
was pursued down a section of the M6 motorway following another
tip-off, explained Mr Wrench. “I would highlight to farmers we
intend to carry out a number of spot checks in the coming days and
weeks.
“While we are hopeful licenses to move livestock direct to
slaughter may come soon, checks will continue and anyone found
flouting the law and using any relaxation as camouflage for illegal
movements will be reported and considered for prosecution.”
Despite this outbreak of foot-and-mouth being confined at
present to a single county (this time Surrey) - similar to the 1965
outbreak rather than nationwide as in the 2001 outbreak - David
Collier, NFU regional
director for the West Midlands is appealing for patience.
“While I understand the frustration felt it really is a matter
of producers being patient and awaiting the hopeful relaxation of
movement restrictions that we are all working towards. There is no
justification for doing otherwise,” said Mr Collier.
Illegal movements are not the only concern within the region.
Biosecurity in the Midlands is patchy, warn input suppliers, with
many producers having little or no disinfection facilities for
vehicles or tradesmen in place almost a week after the first case
being confirmed in Surrey.
Mr Shore wants that rectified immediately. “Biosecurity is vital
even in what may be described a peace-time. It’s crucial and
commonsense, but I remain surprised that you will see farmers walk
around foot dips put in place in markets rather than go through
them. Producers have to recognise the potential damage.”
Keep up to date with our foot and
mouth special report page