FMD Update - New Temporary arrangements for Livestock markets and shows outside of surveillance zone

NEW TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR LIVESTOCK MARKETS AND SHOWS
OUTSIDE OF SURVEILLANCE ZONE
From 00:01 on Monday 3 September, livestock markets for cattle, sheep, and pigs will be
allowed to resume in England and Wales, outside of the Surveillance Zone in Surrey.
Also from this date, animals susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease can be taken to shows
involving animals, outside of the Surveillance Zone.
Debby Reynolds, Chief Veterinary Officer, said:

“Having considered carefully a veterinary risk assessment of allowing animals to move to
livestock markets and agricultural shows, I have concluded that these can restart from
Monday as part of our staged risk-based approach to easing movement controls. A
number of additional conditions apply while the Surveillance Zone remains in place and it
is critical that these are adhered to strictly by everyone involved. This represents another
milestone in the good progress we are making towards regaining our disease free status.”
Defra has worked closely with the core group to develop these new arrangements.
The core group said :

“This is an important development for the industry, whilst everyone has been 100% behind
the disease control strategy, we have also been mindful that we had to allow the industry
to resume operations as soon as the disease status allowed. The return of markets,
shows and sales, albeit under tighter controls until the surveillance work is completed in
Surrey, is vitally important as they allow planning for the autumn breeding and store sales
and will provide much needed boost of confidence to the industry.

“We urge the whole industry to remain vigilant and fully support the operators of markets
and shows in complying with the additional controls they must operate under until the
controls can be further relaxed.”
Controls within the Surveillance Zone remain unchanged, including rules on standstill
arrangements. Any further changes are dependent upon completion of the current
surveillance in Surrey, which will not be before 8 September.

Notes to editors
1. Copies of the general licences and conditions that must be met for movements of
animals, including to markets and shows can be found on the Defra at:
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/movements/index.htm . Further advice can be
obtained from the Local Animal Health Office or Local Authority.

2. The same conditions apply to livestock markets in Wales, which also restart from
Monday.

3. Livestock markets are currently licensed on an annual basis and will receive a letter
on the conditions that will apply to holding markets for the time being. Shows and other
gatherings are licensed on a specific basis and appropriate conditions will be included in
the licence for each event.

4. The core group of stakeholders is comprised of senior individuals from the following
organisations, attending in a personal capacity:
Ben Messer Bennetts (Livestock Auctioneers Association)
David Catlow (British Veterinary Association)
Duff Burrell (National Beef Association)
Kevin Pearce (NFU)
Peter Morris (National Sheep Association)
Stewart Houston (British Pig Executive)
Stuart Roberts (British Meat Processors Association)

5. FMD susceptible animals includes camelids, for example alpacas and llamas.

6. Collection centres and dedicated slaughter markets resumed from 00.01 23 August

7.. Defra public helpline (08459 33 55 77) is open Mon-Fri: 9.00am to 5.00pm

8. The latest information on the current Foot and Mouth disease can be found on the
Defra website: www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth