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Meat processors open for business
08/08/2007
Scottish abattoirs got back to work today in the wake of the partial relaxation of the movement ban.
By noon today, twenty abattoirs had been approved to receive animals transferred directly from farms.
However the GB-wide ban remains firmly in place for all other animal movements and will be rigorously enforced.
Measures will be regularly reviewed in the light of developments in the current foot and mouth outbreak.
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Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:
"As soon as the ban on livestock movements was imposed last Friday, the Scottish government began to plan an exit strategy informed by veterinary risk analysis.
"I am delighted that, within a few days, a vital part of our meat industry is now back to work to ensure that meat supplies can continue to make their way to supermarket shelves and local butchers.
"Of course, animals can only leave farms direct to abattoirs and only under strict licensing conditions, with the wider livestock movement ban remaining in place.
"We are determined to do all we can in the circumstances to minimise disruption to our economy and our objective is to be ready to act.
"The Scottish government remains committed to relaxing further restrictions as soon as we judge it is safe to do so.
"All the preparatory work for doing this continues to be undertaken so that the other parts of the industry can also get up and running as soon as veterinary advice gives the green light.
"We will continue to be guided by events south of the border in relation to the foot and mouth outbreak and our number one priority remains protecting Scotland from this vicious disease."
Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer Charles Milne said:
"On the basis of a veterinary risk assessment, we have proceeded with this limited relaxation in Scotland on a strictly controlled basis.
"It is essential that we remain vigilant and maintain all other protective measures already in place.
"The industry has been very constructive and responsible in its approach over the last week. This co-operation will help us to lift further restrictions when the time is right."