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Foot and Mouth
09/10/2007
Foot and mouth restrictions in Scotland will be lifted from next Wednesday (October 17), in parallel with the lifting of the Protection Zone in Surrey, subject to no further adverse developments in the outbreak.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:
"I am sure that the return to the normal movement regime will be welcomed by farmers and all those involved our livestock industry who have been through a very anxious and difficult two months.
"This is a further significant step in getting back to normal and this early announcement will allow farmers to plan ahead on that basis.
"The Scottish Government has worked flat out to press for relaxations in drivers hours and lifting the export ban as well as lifting movement restrictions as soon as judged safe to do so.
"We will continue to offer all the help we can to support our farming communities and support the livestock industry which is so critically important to Scotland.
"Whilst the domestic movement regime is returning to its pre-outbreak arrangements producers need to consider the export rules. The requirements for export are that stock to be slaughtered must have been resident for 30 days and that no susceptible animals have moved onto the premises within the previous 21 days where stock are intended for the export market"