Archive Article: 2001/11/02
Take honest approach with sheep exports
Next week, EU vets will decide whether to allow a limited return of UK sheep to export markets after foot-and-mouth.
In recent weeks they have approved shipments of pigs from counties that have been F&M-free for more than 90 days, and beef from counties which have had no cases.
In reaching those decisions they have been guided solely by science.
But with sheep, the situation appears more political. Some member state vets have been taking guidance from those with a vested interest in keeping British sheep out. That is unacceptable.
The UK has a strong case. Large swathes of the country have been F&M-free for many months. EU vets must stick to the facts and ignore the fiction when reaching their important decision.