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Foot and Mouth - further easing of restrictions
15/09/2007
Further easing of movement restrictions imposed after confirmation of Foot and Mouth Disease in South East England was announced today.
From midnight tonight farmers will be able to move animals to designated collection centres for onward movement to slaughter.
Currently animals can only be moved direct to slaughter. Today's announcement will assist those farmers with smaller herds and flocks which would be uneconomic to collect individually.
Visiting Clashnoir Farm in Speyside where he met with local farmers Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said:
"This second outbreak could not come at a more serious time for the welfare of our animals and the livelihoods of our farmers.
"We are exploring every opportunity consistent with veterinary advice to assist Scotland's farming industry at this difficult time.
"We have today decided to open a further route to allow the movement of animals off our hills and small holdings. A General Licence will enable farmers to move livestock to designated collection centres for onward movement to slaughter.
"I will not sanction any steps that might compromise disease control however I will move as quickly as possible under strict risk assessment to get Scotland's livestock moving.
Find more information in the Foot and Mouth section