Pigmeat exports to re-start

10 October 2001



Pigmeat exports to re-start

By Alistair Driver

BRITISH pork and bacon exports have been given the green light to resume for the first time since the start of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The European Standing Veterinary Committee said exports could resume from counties which have not had foot-and-mouth cases from 22 October.

The move is conditional on there being no further outbreaks in the counties given the go ahead, according to the Meat and Livestock Commission.

Exports will resume from south and east England, Gwynned and Clwyd in Wales, and Scotland except Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders.

Strict conditions will be attached to exports, including no movements of susceptible species on or off holdings 30 days prior to slaughter.

Holdings must be at least 10km from the nearest outbreak and the slaughter line must be dedicated to export-eligible animals.

Sheep exports will not be resuming, however, largely because of concerns about identifying the disease in sheep, the MLC said.

MLC international manager Peter Hardwick said the organisation would be working hard to re-establish pigmeat exports as soon as possible

It would also push for the lifting of restrictions on cattle and sheep.

The National Farmers Union and National Pig Association said the decision offered “desperately welcome access” to important markets.

NFU President Ben Gill said: “This is the first of many steps that will need to be taken to re-build Britains livestock industry.”

NPA Chairman James Black said: “This comes as a huge boost to the pig industry. Producers have been particularly hard hit.”

He added: “We will, of course, be pressing for the resumption of exports from other areas as soon as they comply with the EU requirements.”