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Foot and Mouth restrictions lifted
16/10/2007
All movement restrictions in Scotland imposed as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak in the South of England will be lifted from midnight tonight.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said:
"This is very good news.
"It frees our vital livestock industry from most of the shackles which have held it back for more than two months.
"The legacy of this outbreak is a massive crisis in Scotland and this must be addressed by the UK Government.
"I had a useful discussion last night with Hilary Benn, UK Agriculture Secretary. It is disappointing that the UK Government remains firm in the view that they do not hold financial responsibility for the measures we have implemented in Scotland. There continues to be no meeting of minds on this issue.
"Through no fault of their own, thousands of Scottish families in the farming and livestock sector have suffered two months of anguish and uncertainty. For many, it has been a gruelling emotional and financial trauma but they have shown great patience and resilience throughout.
"I hope Mr Benn is able to respond positively today when he meets representatives of the Scottish farming and livestock industry.
"This call for the UK Government to act has unprecedented support not only from our farming and rural communities but across political divides and from wider society.
"The Scottish Government will continue to do all it can in easing remaining restrictions, such as those that still apply to exports. We have passed an important milestone but there is a long road ahead to full recovery.
"Livestock keepers must continue to remain vigilant and maintain biosecurity measures."
Today's announcement means a return to the pre-outbreak regime - 13 days standstill with exemptions and separation agreements - from midnight tonight. There remains a strong need for continuing vigilance and biosecurity.
Although exports of fresh meat were able to resume from last Friday, export restrictions on movements of animals on to farm premises still trigger a 21 day standstill.