Virus suspects culled at Ross market


26 September 2001



Virus suspects culled at Ross market

By Robert Davies, Wales correspondent

DEFRA veterinary surgeons ordered the immediate slaughter of 170 prime lambs sent from a Monmouthshire farm to Ross-on-Wye market on Tuesday (25 September).

Staff at the Herefordshire collection centre noticed what they suspected could be symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease in the animals, which were en-route to slaughter.

Should blood tests prove positive, it would be a severe blow to farmers in the south-east of Wales, who are campaigning for movement restrictions to be eased after several months without a confirmed case.

Meanwhile breeding stock auctions involving the use of video and digital pictures have been thrown into confusion by movement licensing problems.

The National Sheep Associations “Dial a Ram” service in Wales ground to a halt on Wednesday (26 September) when trading standards offices used became overwhelmed by applications and calls from farmers.

Dial a Ram was set up to market some of the 8000 tups normally sold at one giant sale on the Royal Welsh Showground.

Secretary Jane Smith said good early progress had hit a brick wall when the new regulations came in.

While demand for rams was excellent, buyers, sellers and those administering the scheme could not get clear guidance.

“The situation can only be described as a shambles.

“Common sense and appreciation of the requirements of breeders are very hard to find.”

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