Foot-and-mouth export ban relaxed

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EU export restrictions for UK meat, imposed due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak, have been relaxed, government officials have confirmed.

Following the EU Commission's agreement, meat and meat products can be exported from some areas.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said a "no export" area remains in place around Pirbright, where the outbreak began.

The export changes are due to be introduced in mid-November.

Defra said the export rule changes now meant the UK was divided into three areas: no export, free export and restricted export.

As well as the Pirbright restrictions, there is a "restricted export area" in the south east of England from which animals (including farmed game) will be eligible for slaughter for export subject to certain conditions.

We hope that this advance warning of likely changes will help farm businesses plan for the coming months Fred LandegDeputy Chief Veterinary Officer

There is also a "free export area" for the rest of the UK, meaning animals will be eligible for slaughter for export without conditions.

This Decision is expected to come into force towards the middle of November - the current FMD Restricted Zone will end when this occurs.

A ban on exports of live animals of susceptible species remains.

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said: "We are acutely aware of the economic impacts of restrictions on farm businesses resulting from this disease outbreak.

Restriction zone

"These changes will be a significant step in returning to business as usual for meat and meat products for most of Great Britain though they will mean more movement restrictions in the short term for some.

"This will, however, help us to work towards re-establishing disease-free status and the full resumption of exports.

"We hope that this advance warning of likely changes will help farm businesses plan for the coming months."

On Monday, the foot-and-mouth surveillance zone put in place during outbreaks in Surrey and Berkshire were lifted because there have been no further cases.

The wider restricted zone still in place covers Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex.