Taking Stock

Following the announcement of a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth on a beef unit between Aldershot and Guildford, Surrey, Taking Stock are still unsure as to what this will mean for the scheduled livestock shows and sales across the country.

BBS News 24 are stating that two major agricultural shows in Scotland will go ahead this weekend without cows, sheep and goats, due to the restrictions. Both Dumfries and Turriff in Aberdeenshire have been hit by the restrictions. It currently remains unclear as to what effect the ban will have on second day of the Perth agricultural show.

We'll do our upmost to keep you informed as to what happens, in the mean time you can check out the following places for more information:

FWi

Plenty of opnions and comment is circulating on Farmers Weekly's forums, so why not post your comments on there.

BBC News

DEFRA

Taking Stock have just been speaking to exhibitors at the Tiverton Show, apparently all exhibitors are stranded on the show ground with DEFRA officials not allowing them to load up and go home, there are talks that they won't be able to move until at least Tuesday.

Although this is a nightmare for all those concerned, restricting movements really is the best thing that can happen to help contain the disease. We'll keep you posted with any other developments.

Taking Stock have just been talking to a beef and sheep farmer based in Milton Keynes (wishing to remain nameless) who has concerns following yesterday's Thame Sheep Fair, which saw some 21,000 head of sheep forward for sale.

She tells me F&M gossip was flying round during the day, but confirmations didn't come through till late last night.

Speaking to Taking Stock, Simon Draper chief auctioneer at Thame and Bicester, said there were still some 3000 sheep on site when restrictions came in to force and these were being checked by vets this morning before being allowed to move.

With sales of 2500 fat lambs, 1000 cull ewes and 200 prime cattle scheduled for sale next week at Ashford Market, the largest livestock market closest to the confirmed outbreak, the market is set for a tough time in terms of trading.

Hobbs Parker auctioneer Richard Wood told Taking Stock it’s a wait and see time for everyone over the next 48-72 hours. “We all hope and pray this is an isolated case, but it does beg the question as to where the disease came from.”

Fellow auctioneer Mark Cleverdon says he’s impressed with the speed of which DEFRA have moved at, but his concerns lay with what this will mean for the agricultural sales sector over the next six months.

“If this is an isolated case, which we hope and pray it is, there will still be disastrous consequences for the marketing sector, with movement restrictions likely to be in place up to the autumn and Christmas period.” This will mean everyday trading as well as specialist shows and sales will be affected.

Taking Stock has already mentioned that foot-and-mouth movement restrictions have hit three big shows in Scotland this weekend. Dumfries Show, due to be held today, was cancelled and Turriff Show (August 5 and 6) will go ahead, without sheep, cattle and goats.

News of the outbreak broke mid-event for the organisers of Perth Show (An 3 and 4) and an emergency board meeting was held at the showground at 11pm last night and show organisers decided that although cattle, sheep and goats would not be allowed to attend the show, the second day of the event would go ahead.

Some 100 cattle were already on site at the showground ahead of today, the main livestock day. Many of these were Charolais from throughout Scotland, due to be exhibited at the National Charolais Show at Perth today.

Perth Show biosecurity officer, Grant Morris, a past show chairman, told Farmers Weekly, an official ministry vet arrived at the showground just before midnight on Friday night to supervise the vet inspection of the cattle housed under canvas on site and their relocation back to farms.

Taking Stock can now give you the full statement released from the drug company at the centre of this foot-and-mouth incident.

Statement 4 from Merial Animal Health Ltd

Merial Animal Health Limited welcomes the arrival of the independent HSE investigation team to our centre at Pirbright. Our centre operates to the very highest international standards and we insist on stringent adherence to processes and procedures for health, safety and environmental protection, quality control, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

There is intense speculation regarding the possible sources of this outbreak. While Merial has complete confidence in the integrity of our bio-security, and our initial investigation shows no breach in our procedures, it is too early in the investigation for anyone to determine the source of the outbreak.

Speaking to farmers and members of the press at Cranleigh Show today, Conservative leader David Cameron said there are very serious questions for the Government to answer.

"If it turns out that the virus was released either from the Institute for Animal Health in Pirbright or from the next-door lab at Merial - which, by the way, is inspected and licensed by the Government - it will be astonishing news, because the organisations responsible for stopping things like foot and mouth will effectively be responsible for starting it.

In a sympathetic tone for the agricultural industry, he said farmers up and down the country are going to be angry because they have done masses to improve their own biosecurity and they are all suffering at the moment, apparently because of mistakes made at a laboratory which is meant to stop foot and mouth.

Following additional culling yesterday of animals defined as dangerous contacts to the infected premises, movements of livestock are still restricted.

Overall, all livestock movements are banned across GB, meaning no animals can leave their current location for any reason, apart from cows crossing roads for milking or animals being moved for urgent vet treatment.

Beyond that, Taking Stock have learnt it could be possible for restrictions for slaughter movement to be lifted on Wednesday, but that will be providing there are no further confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth.

In theory it should be 28 days after the last case when movements return to a more normal pattern. for more on this go to fwi.co.uk

With Foot and Mouth movement restrictions likely to be in place for some time, British Belgian Blue Cattle Society secretary has said he is unsure as to what the restrictions will mean for next month's society sale to be held at Chelford.

"It is obviously too early for any decisions to be made, so have no information as to what this will mean for the sale.

"While the source fo the outbreak looks like being linked to the Pirbright lab, we must all keep our guard up and put in place strict bio-security measures on farm as well as being extra vigilant, looking for symptoms."

While the high profile show of pedigree Suffolks on offer at the Northern Counties Society sale at Skipton went ahead as planned on Friday, the sale scheduled for the following day was cancelled when the mart called in a ministry-appointed vet to seek guidance as the national ban on the movement of livestock took immediate effect.

Unaware of the imminent upheaval, Suffolk enthusiasts from across the north and midlands, also joined by exhibitors from Scotland, East Anglia and Wales, lined up for the annual show, with 112 pedigree sheep forward.

Taking Stock is delighted to bring you the news that Angus Stovold's Rosemead Aberdeen Angus herd has had the all clear from DEFRA vets following suspicions of foot and mouth in some animals.

Speaking to Taking Stock this morning, Mr Stovold was extremely concerned about the saftey of his herd, but this evening he called back to say the animals have been cleared of suspicion. "Its great news, but there are still risks and we've got to be careful here. We've got one stockman on every farm and no one else will be allowed onto those units until we are more confident."

Good news at last......

The movement of livestock under licence to abattoirs in Scotland will start tomorrow (Weds), according to NFU Scotland.

Speaking just before 5pm this afternoon, Scottish NFU president, Jim McLaren, confirmed the necessary authorisation and abattoir inspections had been completed and livestock should start moving to abattoirs under licence to slaughter tomorrow.

And he urged farmers to ensure they have negotiated a definite price from purchasers prior to sending animals for slaughter. Responding to concern from members about a potential slump in prices, Mr McLaren said if anything prices should be stronger than they were before the movement ban.

He also pointed out there will be increased costs due to stock being retained longer on farms and the requirement for single point collection.

“If producers find themselves in a price pressure situation we would be very keen to hear from them and identify anyone trying to take advantage of the situation,” he said.

Having spoken to a few Scottish farmers this morning regarding price trends, the big question on many producers' lips is what will the deadweight price do over the next few weeks now that Scotland have movement to slaughter in place and it looks like Wales could be good to go this afternoon?

With some supermarkets stating beef consumption hasn't suffered since the outbreak, surely there is no need to drop the price just becasue it did in 2001 - after all this is a totally different scenario?

Good news following the recent governmnet statement from Debby Reynolds who has just announced movements to slaughter under general licence will commence in England and Wales from midnight.

In her daily briefing on the foot and mouth outbreak, she also announced that fallen stock collections will restart at the same time.

All movements – whether of dead or live animals – will be subject to strict biosecurity measures and will only apply in areas outside the protection and surveillance zones.

However, the general GB wide movement remains in place.

Mrs Reynolds also revealed that stock on a farm next to the second infected premises had also been culled because of signs they could be infected with the disease.

Read more on this announcement

Although the news that cattle, sheep and pigs can now move from farms to abattoirs has been welcomed throughout the industry, there are serious concerns over the plight of hill and upland farmers who traditionally have sold their livestock for finishing down on more productive acres.

In an article in today's Scotsman, chairman of the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association Angus McCall highlights the importance of store lamb producers having some guidance as to how long it will be before they can market their stock. "The hill store sales were due to begin in earnest next week and flockmasters have to make a decision when to gather sheep."

"Most hill farmers do not have low-ground fields to hold on to lambs for any length of time once weaned, and must be given an indication of when store sales are likely to take place before they gather their flocks."

Amongst the fears this morning of a further outbreak outside the surveillance zone, it appears having listened to various radio interviews this morning that the farmer in question is confident his cattle are clear of foot-and-mouth.

The farmer in question is Laurence Matthews, land owner of where the second case was found. Let's hope the precautionary measures are working so well that this is a "just in case" measure.

Also heard today is that on farm burial of fallen stock is to be allowed within the surveillance zone, as well as movements regarding the delivery of feed.

For more on this story.......

Never let it be said that we here at Taking Stock are without a touch of glamour.

Last Friday's foot and mouth outbreak has resulted in a barage of requests for media interviews from Farmers Weekly. For my sins, I've been handling most of these, including BBC News 24, Sky News and the Today Programme.

And while this may sound like the life of a media starlet, rest assured it's far from it. Monday saw me run half a mile across White City in London to reach the News 24 studios in time for an interview, thanks to the woeful sense of direction of my less than local driver! And all for less than three minutes of airtime.

Good news the foot-and-mouth suspect case at Laurence Matthews' farm in Dorking is clear, according to a DEFRA announcement today.

Chief vet Debby Reynolds told a press conference the "Temporary Control Zone around a farm in Surrey has been lifted following negative results for Foot and Mouth Disease".

Having listened to Laurence speak to the press and on local radio, it was always pretty hopeful it was only going to be a suspect. It's good news all round for both him and other farmers in the area.

This just shows how important it is to remain extra vigilant when it comes to checking stock and to report even the slightest thing, particularly in this hot weather.

For more on this suspect case and information on signs of foot and mouth go to DEFRA website.

From a personal point of view I have to say I'm absolutely appalled at the lack of seriousness which some people have attached to the recent foot and mouth outbreak.

A trip to my local agricultural merchants on Saturday confirmed my belief that people think this is a problem local to Surrey and affects no one else. Bearing in mind that most farmers in the area use the store, the very least I expected was a disinfectant foot dip by the door, but to my disgust there was nothing available. And this is a store just 80 miles or so from the outbreak.

Taking Stock has learnt that DEFRA is likely to make an anouncement relaxing movement restrictions later today.

An informed source told me last night that a stakeholder meeting will be held at 1230 today and a briefing detailing changes to the current rules would follow. While unable to confirm the content of today's meeting, the source said it would be good news for the industry.

The announcement earlier today of a suspect case of foot-and-mouth on a farm in Kent has quashed any hope we had of DEFRA releasing information on changes to movement restrictions.

We understand they may make an announcement tomorrow, but that is as yet unconfirmed. Taking Stock will, of course endeavour to bring you the latest news as we receive it.

Excellent news! This morning's meeting of EU vets lifted the ban on the export of meat and livestock from the UK and DEFRA is shortly to announce that all current movement restrictions put in place outside the surveillance zone will be lifted as of midnight tonight. However, any movements made will be subject to a 20 day standstill.

That will greatly ease the burden management movements, but as yet DEFRA has not announced any resumption of live markets or shows, unlike their Scots and Welsh counterparts.

Hopefully, they will follow the devolved administrations' lead and make an announcement shortly. This will enable most sales planned for September to revert to previous dates. Whether show's which have cancelled livestock classes reinstate them has yet to be seen, although some may chose not to due to plans already put in place.

The continued suspension of markets, shows and the imposition of a 20-day standstill on all movements has left me vexed.

On the one hand the EU is, from this weekend, allowing all UK livestock from outside the surveillance zone to be exported to the EU. This means they are able to travel across Europe, mixing with European animals left, right and centre and, were it appropriate, attend any show, sale or market held on the Continent.

On the other, DEFRA is still imposing a ban on markets, shows and other gatherings of livestock in England (thankfully the devolved administrations have seen sense). So, our animals are healthy enough to mix with their European counterparts, but not to mix with each other. Talk about a shambles, someone at DEFRA and its quite probably the chief vet, Debbie Reynolds, needs to get real and give English farmers the chance to make a living

This current situation is ridiculous and something must be done immediately.

Good news at last........

DEFRA has announced that as from 00:01 on Monday 3 September, livestock markets for cattle, sheep, and pigs will be allowed to resume in England and Wales, outside of the foot and mouth surveillance zone in Surrey. Also from this date, animals susceptible to the disease can be taken to shows involving animals, outside of the surveillance zone.

The return of markets, shows and sales, albeit under tighter controls until the surveillance work is completed in Surrey, is vitally important as they allow planning for the autumn breeding and store sales and will provide much needed boost of confidence to the industry.

Didn't think I would be writing this again so soon, but we're back where we started.

Taking Stock promises to keep you updated with what's happening. All I know at the moment is that BBC News 24 have run a story saying it has been confirmed, yet DEFRA have just announced it hasn't and that statement won't be due until later today.

In the mean time go to Farmers Weekly main site for the latest news as it happens.

Skipton Auction Mart has cancelled all future livestock shows and sales until further notice in response to the re-occurence of foot and mouth.

The mart acted quickly today after the latest confirmed outbreak in Surrey and the government re-imposing the national ban on the movement of livestock.

General manager Jeremy Eaton said the majority of the 500 store cattle sold at Skipton on Wednesday had been moved from the mart as normal ahead of the ban, and those that remained after the ban came into place were inspected by a vet before being moved on under licence.

Reports are circulating that farmers in Scotland will be able to send stock to slaughter again tomorrow after the Scottish Executive decided this evening to relax the movement rules imposed in reaction to today's outbreak of foot and mouth in Surrey.

I don't have the full details yet, but we'll keep you updated as we here more.

The resumption of sales this week should have been a reason for sheep farmers to rejoice, instead it is now causing logistical nightmares for stock trapped at markets and sales.

Pat Greaney, stock manager for Eire-based Tom Bailey's Suffolk and Texel flocks was yesterday afternoon stuck in Kelso with more than 30 ram lambs he'd been due to sell tomorrow.

Others, meanwhile, were trapped at Lanark market where the Scottish region of the Texel Sheep Society was due to hold its premier sale.

Talking to a few people this morning, beef and lamb processors believe licences could be granted tomorrow for movement to slaughter in England and Wales.

The announcement last night from NFU Scotland that they will be slaughtering will be making processors in England and Wales think they can't be too far behind.

We'll keep you updated with the altest news on fwi.co.uk.

The 3rd August foot and mouth outbreak was damaging enough to the industry with the loss of export and saturation of the home market, auctioneer Richard Turner has said. "Coupled with having to concentrate two month’s of store markets and breeding sales into one month further restricted by the six day movement stranglehold imposed by DEFRA, we now have to cope with this."

He says the industry now faces a bleak autumn and a large percentage of the farming industry will be on the poverty line before Christmas. "Even when this outbreak is contained, primestock will not move to slaughter for over a week, slaughter markets will not operate for another three weeks and it will be well into October before store markets and breeding sales can operate."

Next week's Dairy Event, Stoneleigh, has been cancelled due to this week's outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Surrey.

RABDF chairman Lyndon Edwards said it was with great regret that he had to announce the cancellation of the event due to take place at Stoneleigh Park Coventry on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 September.

“The Council Members of RABDF, organisers of the event, have taken specialist veterinary and professional advice and concluded that following the resurgence of the Foot and Mouth outbreak, it would be seriously unwise and irresponsible to hold a meeting of 10,000 farmers in one place, particularly as they will have travelled from all parts of the UK.

“We are still unsure that the virus has not spread outside the Surrey surveillance zone and a decision had to be made today as contractors and stand holders were planning to build the event over the weekend.”

The temporary foot and mouth control zone established at Solihull yesterday has been revoked this evening. Hopefully, this will aid DEFRA's risk assesment for the easing of movement restrictions across the UK.

More details will appear here and on our forum and news pages as we get it

Sadly, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society - organisers of Countryside Live - have today announced their decision to cancel all beef and sheep classes at the event due to the recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in Surrey. However, the Show will definitely still go ahead.

Countryside Live takes place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of October at the Great Yorkshire Showground and has rapidly grown into an important autumn agricultural event. Now in its fifth year, Countryside Live aims to bring together the best of the countryside to families and children in the comfort of an exhibition centre.

Countryside Live features a range of hands-on activities for children, from a tree identification trail, bread making, cheese tasting, sausage making and Bee keeping.

DEFRA have tonight announced the culling of another group of cattle on suspicion of foot and mouth disease. Numbers and location are unknown, but it is within the current protection zone.

"The decision has been taken to slaughter cattle on suspicion of Foot and Mouth Disease on a farm in Surrey. This follows a veterinary inspection of the affected cattle on a parcel of land in the existing Protection Zone. There is no timetable for when laboratory results from these premises will be received," said DEFRA

Organisers of Europe’s biggest ram sale, which movement regulations prevented from taking place on September 24, are planning two smaller events next month.

“We are ready to be quick off the mark as soon as we get the go ahead from Government vets,” says George Hughes, chairman of the NSA sale’s organising committee.

“We will use the permanent buildings at the Royal Welsh showground and give priority to shearlings, as they take up most of the space available. About a week later we will have another sale for ram lambs.”

He rejected the idea of staging a video or photograph-based auction as unacceptable to buyers who wanted to see and handle rams and, with 7500 sheep entered for the postponed sale, a logistical nightmare.

Finally some hope for the industry.......foot and mouth movement rules have been relaxed to allow markets to resume in the low risk area from next Thursday, 4 October.

The announcement was made late yesterday by DEFRA secretary Hilary Benn at the same time as he confirmed a fifth case of Bluetongue had been discovered on a farm in Suffolk.

The resumption of markets will be subject to stringent biosecurity measures and the current control measures in the FMD Risk Area remain in place.

DEFRA have always taken a risk-based and staged approach to movement restrictions, explained Mr Benn. "The decision to announce today that livestock markets will be allowed from next Thursday follows extensive discussion with stakeholders, and I know will be of great benefit to the farming and food chain industry in easing economic and welfare pressures.

"It will also allow time for preparations for markets to take place and for the required biosecurity measures to be applied."

In addition, following negative laboratory results the Foot and Mouth disease Temporary Control Zone in the Maidenhead area has now lifted. Laboratory tests also show that the strain of FMD found on the seventh infected premises is the same strain as that found on the other premises in Surrey.

DEFRA has also today received positive test results for bluetongue for a fifth animal on a fourth premises near Burstall, Suffolk. This animal will be culled.