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Foot and Mouth outbreak
04/10/2007
The resumption of general markets across Scotland was announced today, following on from the resumption of livestock markets earlier this week.
Speaking after a meeting in Parliament this morning with key representatives of the livestock industry, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"Today, we welcome the resumption of general markets which will further help our farmers on the long road to recovery following the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey.
"We have been lifting movement restrictions as soon as it is judged safe to do so as we clearly recognise the disruption these necessary restrictions impose on industry. It is vital that we all maintain biosecurity measures and remain vigilant.
"Representations by the Scottish Government have also helped lift the ban on fresh meat exports from October 12 and secured a relaxation in drivers' hours which should do much to ease transport problems.
"But there is still a long way to go and we will continue to work closely with the livestock industry to ease the burdens on them in these difficult times.
"We also discussed this morning some of the challenges which lie ahead, in meeting the terms of the export ban being lifted and the ongoing situation for Scotland. However we all accept there has been considerable progress made in the past two days."
Approved slaughter, store and breeding markets this week are:
Ayr
- Ayr cattle slaughter market
- Dumfries sheep and cattle slaughter market
- Newton Stewart sheep slaughter market
- Newton Stewart primestock breeding market
- Lockerbie sheep collection centre
- Castle Douglas sheep collection centre
Galashiels
- St Boswells slaughter market
- Lanark slaughter market
Perth
- Forfar slaughter market
- Millhall slaughter market
- Forfar collection centre
- Perth collection centre
- Millhall collection centre
Inverurie
- Inverurie slaughter market
- Huntly and Thainstone store market
- Thainstone store market
- Huntly store market
The Scottish Government Foot and Mouth helpline number is 08451 55 33 66