Foot-and-mouth hits export trade
21 February 2001
Foot-and-mouth hits export trade
by Donald MacPhail
AN emergency ban on exports of all British livestock and meat imposed because of foot-and-mouth disease threatens to devastate the industry.
Agriculture minister Nick Brown announced that exports of livestock, meat, and some dairy products would be banned from Wednesday (21 February).
It is likely that the ban on shipments will last at least until the next European Standing Veterinary Committee meeting scheduled for 6-7 March.
A Meat and Livestock Commission spokesman said: This is a devastating blow which is set to cost the industry eight million pounds a week.
According to MLC figures, in 2000 Britain exported 764,000 live sheep and 94,000 tonnes of lamb, together worth 212 million.
In the same year 97,000 live pigs and 219,400 tonnes of pigmeat were exported with a total value of 183.4 million.
National Sheep Association chief executive John Thorley said sheep exporters would be particularly hard hit by the ban.
This is extremely serious for us because more than any other sector we have developed trade in an way to capture sheep markets on the Continent.
Mr Thorley said the loss of Continental markets would lead to surplus sheepmeat flooding the domestic market at a time when prices at home had been improving.
If there is a ban on exports then domestic prices will come down. I cant see how that will be avoided, he said.
The ban will badly hit business for the Farmers First group which exports 16,000 live sheep and 10,000 carcasses each week.
Marketing director Mike Gooding said: This is not good news.
He added: We must make sure that we get to grips with this problem and ensure the outbreak is contained quickly so we can get back to business
Mr Gooding was uncertain whether insurance would cover lost trade. The question of fulfilling contracts would be discussed with Continental customers.
Then market for finished pigs and sows is likely to see a repeat of the slump which occurred after last years swine fever outbreak.
An animal welfare problem is also likely if livestock has to be kept back on farms because abattoirs decide it is not worth killing without a market.
- Foot-and-mouth export ban, FWi, 21 February, 2001
- Foot-and-mouth halts NFU meetings, FWi, 21 February, 2001
- Foot-and-mouth – telltale signs and precautions, FWi, 21 February, 2001
- Brussels to ban British meat exports, FWi, 21 February, 2001
- Foot-and-mouth threatens exports, FWi, 21 February, 2001
- Foot-and-mouth outbreak confirmed, FWi, 21 February, 2001
- Pigs show foot-and-mouth symptoms, FWi, 20 February, 2001