Scotland steps up biosecurity in fear of F&M reinfection
Scotland steps up biosecurity in fear of F&M reinfection
FINAL precautionary blood tests from more than 22,000 sheep in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders regions have shown that there is no residual reservoir of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland.
But the Scottish Executive is concerned about the possibility of reinfection from England and is determined to improve on-farm biosecurity as winter approaches.
Ross Finnie, Scotlands rural development minister, said: "Confirmation of negative blood tests in areas of Scotland previously affected by foot-and-mouth is very reassuring. Sheep will now be allowed to move under licence from these areas."
Mr Finnie also announced this week that the D notices on nine farms in the Borders, associated with visits from a Hexham farmer, have been removed.
"These positive developments will reinforce the case I am pressing in Brussels for restarting lamb exports from the whole of Scotland," Mr Finnie said. *