This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland sees further progress on foot and mouth
06/08/2001
Scotland has passed more landmarks on the way to becoming free of Foot and Mouth disease, Ross Finnie said today.
Outlining progress, the Minister for Environment and Rural Development added:
"I am delighted to be able to announce that the area of Scotland defined as Provisionally Free of Foot and Mouth disease will be extended to cover all of Scotland outwith the Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders Council areas from Monday, 13 August.
"Excellent progress is also being made within Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders -
- Assuming that there is no further disease outbreak in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders, those areas should also qualify to be considered disease free by the end of August.
- The blood testing of susceptible animals within the Surveillance Zones surrounding previously infected premises has been completed. Results to date have shown no traces of infection. Final results are expected within the week.
- Final cleansing and disinfection has been completed on two-thirds of Scottish premises, with work still to start on only three premises.
"From 13 August, cattle, sheep and pigs for slaughter can be licensed to move from Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders into the extended PFA. Store and breeding cattle can also be licensed from these Council areas into the PFA subject to the usual controls. Sheep will not be permitted to move north other than for slaughter until the area is designated disease free.
"A programme of additional blood testing is being planned in the South of Scotland to offer additional assurance that there is no pocket of unidentified disease still in the sheep population. This will help our efforts to regain export markets.
"It is imperative that Scotland is allowed to return to export markets as soon as possible. I am determined to do everything I can to make that happen and allow Scotland's rural areas to return to normal. Today's announcement marks an important step in that direction.
"It is vital however that everyone involved in the industry maintains the utmost vigilance against disease spread. Biosecurity measures must continue to be enforced if we are to protect the future of our valuable livestock industry."
BACKGROUND
Results have been received for more than two-thirds of the blood testing undertaken in the Surveillance Zones.
News Release: SE1833/2001
6 Aug 2001