Scots virus rules to ease further


10 December 2001



Scots virus rules to ease further

By Shelley Wright, Scotland correspondent


MOST foot-and-mouth controls in Scotland will be removed by the end of January, provided there are no new cases of the disease.


But rural development minister Ross Finnie has announced that the controversial 21-day movement rule will remain in place.


“In Scotland, foot-and-mouth disease movement and other controls have been progressively reduced since the summer, with markets restarting in late August,” he said.


“We are now at the stage where, with industry support, I am prepared to sanction the phased dismantling of most of the remaining controls.”


Pre-movement veterinary inspection of non-slaughter cattle is no longer required, with immediate effect.


And for non-slaughter sheep, the need for veterinary inspection will be lifted from 1 January.


As well as the 21-day rule, Mr Finnie said he intended to maintain the current biosecurity rules at livestock markets beyond January.


Talks would continue with the industry about how stronger identification and traceability measures for sheep in particular can be implemented.


Foot-and-mouth – confirmed outbreaks

Foot-and-mouth – FWi coverage

Recovery plan – Full coverage

See more