just wondering if anyone knows if we can still use isolation units in the low risk area. we sorted our isolation unit before the latest lot of outbreaks, but now wondering if we can use it when buying in tups or if we are still on the 20 day standstill. cant seem to see any thing on the defra site.

Situation unclear at moment

just heard from our local animal health office - isolation units CANNOT be used - 20 day standstill on all bought in stock

Thanks for the update

Hopefully, there will bee some news on the introduction of isolation units for breeding rams by the end of today. Stakeholders have been pressing for these over the weekend and assure me there will be an announcement on them shortly.

 Jonathan Long, FW Livestock Editor

 

hi top tup

thanks for keeping us informed

lets hope we can start using isolation units again, it will make buying in tups a lot easier!

Isolation units are now approved for use, but for breeding rams only. DEFRA said "A 20 day standstill means that no animal can move off a premises if within the previous 20 days a susceptible animal has moved on to those premises. The standstill does not apply to an animal that is being moved from that premises direct to slaughter. The conditions are covered in the FMD licence. There will only be one exception to this rule. Breeding rams may be brought onto a premises that has an isolation unit with a current and valid approval under the Disease Control (England) Order 2003, without triggering a 20 day standstill."

 Also with markets due to start on Thursday it may be useful for anyone planning to attend a market to read the guidance to market operators

 And multiple pick-ups are now permitted in some areas too DEFRA said "From Thursday 4 October, multiple pick-ups and multiple drop-offs between premises, including markets and collection centres, can take place provided there are no more than 3 pick-ups of ruminant animals from farms to a single destination and no more than 3 drop-offs of ruminant animals from a single destination."

 As far as I can make out multiple pick ups are allowed in the low risk area only, if anyone knows any different please correct me,

Jonathan Long, FW Livestock Editor