Brussels extends UK livestock ban

21 March 2001



Brussels extends UK livestock ban

By Philip Clarke, Europe editor

THE export ban imposed on British livestock, meat and milk products because of foot-and-mouth disease has been extended until 4 April.

The ban was due to expire next Tuesday (March 27)

But European agriculture ministers meeting in Brussels had little choice but to extend it given the worsening of foot-and-mouth crisis.

National Farmers Union president Ben Gill has voiced concern that exports of British sheep may not resume before the end of the year.

Euros Jones, of the Meat and Livestock Commission in Brussels, said an area would have to be clear of the disease for 30 days before exports were allowed.

“Realistically, however, the commission wont start to lift the ban anywhere until it is clear there has been a substantial decline in foot-and-mouth nationally.”

Ultimately, however, it is up to the European Union Standing Veterinary Committee to decide when the restrictions can be eased.

The feeling in Brussels is that, the longer the disease lasts in the UK, the longer each area will have to be disease-free. And that could be several months.