Ban on Essex pig exports to stay

14 September 2000



Ban on Essex pig exports to stay

By FWi staff

CHIEF veterinary officer Jim Scudamore has announced that exports of live pigs and semen from Essex should not yet be resumed.

It had been hoped to lift the ban to the European Union on Friday (15 Sep), but Mr Scudamore said a further round of visits should first take place.

He said more pigs in restriction zones should be tested for the disease and was erring on the side of caution as swine fever had been found in a holding area with links to Essex.

He said: Whilst, at present we have no reason to believe that infection has been re-introduced, we cannot overlook that possibility.”

The ban on Essex pigs will remain until 15 October, and the position will be reviewed by the EC Standing Veterinary Committee on 3-4 October.