Copy of letter from Cabinet Secretary to Scottish livestock keepers - 5 October 2007
Dear Producer
DISEASE UPDATE - 5 OCTOBER 2007
I last wrote to you on 21 September to give you an updated position on the current Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak and its implications for Scotland. Since then, my officials and I have continued to work with a wide range of stakeholders to minimise the disruption imposed by these necessary movement restrictions. I am writing to you today to highlight the latest relaxations we have been able to make, and provide you with early information on the terms of the recent Commission Decision which will permit exports from Scotland.
Since 21 September, there have been a further 3 infected premises in the Surrey area, the most recent earlier this week. It is reassuring that all these cases continue to be found within the existing Protection Zone. However, the continued existence of circulating virus in this area highlights the necessity of keeping certain movement restrictions.
Throughout the outbreak, all our decisions have been based on sound science and veterinary advice. Following the analysis of movements from Surrey to Scotland via the Scottish Government Centre of Excellence in Epidemiology and the advice of CVO Scotland, I have been able to permit further movement relaxations. In particular:
- Farm-to-farm movements from 26 September;
- Multiple drop-offs (from islands) and multiple pick ups to slaughter (subject to a maximum of 3 premises), both from 27 September;
- Slaughter markets from 1 October within multiple (up to 3) pick ups and drop offs;
- Store and breeding sales from 4 October;
- An exemption of breeding males from 20 day standstill requirements, from 4 October;
We continue to keep other restrictions under review and will lift them as soon as it is safe to do so. In addition, we recognise the complexity of the current licences and are in the process of drawing these together for ease of use by all.
On 24 September, I led a delegation to Brussels to meet senior EC Officials. I pressed Scotland's case for resumption of exports with those responsible for animal health, and Charles Milne, CVO Scotland, gave a presentation on the Scottish response. The European Commission were very impressed with the work we had done to take a proportionate approach to protect Scotland's interest and minimise the risk of disease spread. That presentation was circulated to all other Member States and was mentioned at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH) discussion on exports on Tuesday.
At that meeting the Standing Committee agreed a decision that would allow fresh meat exports to resume after 12 October. This represents a significant step forward, though it is not yet a return to normality. The Commission's willingness to make a case with other EU Member States was notably increased by their support of the movement regime currently in place.
In order to return to export, we must fulfil a number of specific requirements:
- The meat must originate from animals that are reared for 90 days in areas listed in Annex III which includes the whole of Scotland.
- Kept in the holding of origin for at least 30 days;
- 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);
- Vehicle cleansing and disinfection prior to loading;
- Live animals must be transported in sealed vehicles direct for immediate slaughter.
- Supervision by the competent authority.
I should stress that whilst domestic legislation allows certain exceptions to the 20 day standstill, eg breeding males, the export requirements do not. Under the export rules, any movement of any susceptible animal on to a holding sets the 21 day clock back to the start. In other words, meat which meets the export rules would also be eligible for domestic trade, but meat which only meets the domestic rules cannot be exported.
During my trip to Brussels I was also able to discuss the proposed Sheep Welfare Scheme with European Commission officials. This greatly aided resolution of State Aid issues. Whilst the resumption of markets will help alleviate some welfare problems, the Scottish Government has been informed by a wide range of stakeholders that there is still a need for such a scheme for light lambs. I hope to make an announcement regarding the launch of this scheme as soon as possible once the procurement process has been completed.
I am also able to inform you that a temporary relaxation in drivers' hours has been obtained following representations to the UK Department for Transport by the Scottish Government and stakeholders. This should enhance haulage capacity to undertake the number of animal movements that are needed to cope with the backlog of animals.
Finally I should also comment on the recent outbreak of Bluetongue virus in East Anglia. This outbreak is of serious concern and the Scottish Government continues to monitor the situation, although the timing of the outbreak as the weather turns colder is helpful, reducing the risk of disease moving to Scotland in the immediate future. The Chief Veterinary Officer of Scotland has written to all of you to highlight the symptoms of disease and precautions that can be taken. Any suspicion of disease should be reported to your local Animal Health Office.
Please be assured that the Scottish Government continues to protect your interests. As always, I would like to thank you for your patience and support in what I know is a very difficult and stressful period. Further information can be found at the Scottish Government FMD website, or from the Scottish Government's FMD Helpline, (0845 155 3366). This continues to be a fast moving situation and both will be regularly updated to provide you with the most current information.
RICHARD LOCHHEAD
5 October 2007