Scotland steps up biosecurity in fear of F&M reinfection

5 October 2001




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. &#42


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