United front opposes 20-day standstill rule
United front opposes 20-day standstill rule
MINISTERS are being urged to relax restrictions which prevent farmers from moving livestock for 20 days after bringing animals onto their farms.
Up to 16 organisations want further talks with junior DEFRA minister Lord Whitty, after a meeting to discuss proposed changes to standstill rules imposed to prevent a repeat of last years foot-and-mouth epidemic. They want the 20-day standstill rule relaxed in favour of strict biosecurity controls.
Alternative measures
Suggested alternative measures include introducing a watertight cleansing and disinfection certification system for all livestock vehicles, a batch movement recording system for sheep and a three-week non-return requirement for all stock sold through auction.
National Beef Association chief executive Robert Forster said DEFRA was unlikely to review the standstill rule until all F&M inquiries are completed.
Until then, the standstill should be relaxed from 20 days to six, he said. "We hope this very necessary revision will be introduced with mid-term changes scheduled for late summer."
But the National Sheep Association would like to see the standstill rules removed completely.
Chief executive John Thorley said: "We want to see the impediment removed by the beginning of June, by then we will know whether we have the disease in the country or not. Sheep farmers are in desperate need of some flexibility."
NFU livestock adviser Kevin Pearce said that the union would also prefer the complete removal of the standstill rule, but would accept a reduction in the number of days.
"We are convinced we can offer a package of measures to solve some of DEFRAs concerns and ensure the industry goes back to a more normal trading pattern."
A DEFRA spokesman said a government consultation on the issue is expected to conclude at the end of June. Any changes could be implemented by early August, following a veterinary risk assessment, he added. *