1. What exports restrictions apply?
Exports of all susceptible animals from Great Britain were banned by the European Commission (EC) on the 12th September, as were exports of a number of animal products. The ban remains on live animal exports, but the export of fresh beef and sheep meat from all of Great Britain outside a 200km area around the surveillance zone is now permitted again, since 12 October, subject to a number of conditions.
A Customer Information Note on trade in export was issued on Thursday 11th October. It details the conditions that must be followed. The main ones are:
• The meat must originate from animals that are reared for 90 days in areas listed in Annex III which includes the whole of Scotland.
• 30 days prior to slaughter, animals must be kept on the same holding.
• There must have been no live movement of susceptible animals onto the holdings for 21 days before the animals are moved for slaughter (for pigs this is only 7 days).
• At slaughterhouse, animals must be killed immediately, with inspections.
• Meat would then have to be quarantined for 24 hours.
These conditions have the affect of significantly reducing the numbers of animals that can be exported. However, it is hoped that the restrictions will be reduced following further discussion with the European Commission and SCOFCAH. Exports will be suspended if an FMD outbreak occurs anywhere beyond the 200km zone. The Commission also agreed to prolong all FMD protection measures in place in the UK until 15th November 2007.
[It is important to note that the exceptions to the domestic 20-day standstill, as provided for in the General Licences, will not apply to the Commission's 21 and 30 day standstills for exports.]
2. If I am planning to export my animals, where do I send my notification to?
The slaughterhouse (not to SAMU).
3. What products are still banned from export?
The export of live animals is still banned.
4. What are the economic impacts?
The 2001 outbreak of FMD in the UK highlighted the interdependence of industries in the rural economy and it became clear that agricultural issues should not be dealt with in isolation as they impact on the wider rural economy. It is intended that the rapid response to the current outbreak will minimise economic impact both on the livestock industry and the wider rural economics and society.
5. How significant are these impacts?
This is difficult to assess at this point; however, taken together, farming and processing of red meat makes a significant contribution to the Scottish economy. The sector has a turnover of more than £1.4 billion. Beef is by far the largest sector in Scottish agriculture, representing 26% of total farm output. The sheep and pig sectors account for 8% and 3% respectively.
Scottish beef exports in 2006 were worth £12m (but this was for the period May to December of course). Value of sheep exports were around £20m. Pig meat exports were much less at £2m.
The assessment of the 2001 outbreak estimated that the total impact on the Scottish economy was between £13.6m and £29.8m which equated then to between 0.02% and 0.046% of Scottish GDP. While the impact at the Scottish national level may have been minimal, the impact on localised communities and affected businesses can not be understated. It is therefore essential to stop the spread of this disease.