Wales to allow slaughter of animals from bluetongue protection zone
| To discuss the implications of the bluetongue outbreak with other farmers and to share information visit the discussion forums. |
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The Welsh Assembly has confirmed that livestock from bluetongue protection zone will be accepted for slaughter in Wales.
Subject to strict conditions, authorised abattoirs in Wales will be able to accept animals from the Bluetongue Protection Zone in England for slaughter from early next week.
Livestock from the Bluetongue Control Zones will not be accepted into Wales.
Rural affairs minister Elin Jones said: “We have spoken at length with stakeholders about this issue, in light of the extension of the Bluetongue Protection Zone in England.
“We are clear that we need to allow animals from the Protection Zone to be slaughtered in Wales.
“Strict conditions must apply, both in transporting animals and at abattoirs, so that we can continue to protect Wales against bluetongue.
“We are now in discussion with the enforcement authorities about the licensing and operational details, which we will make available shortly. Our aim is to have arrangements in place early next week.”
To discuss the implications of the bluetongue outbreak with other farmers and to share information visit the discussion forums.