FMD Update - 21st Sept 07

Latest situation: There are 5 IP~s, investigations ongoing on one IP.  There are 128 negated cases and 134 reported cases since August 3.   The Solihull zone has been revoked.  Defra are investigating two Blue Tongue Virus reports.   A concern is that only 2 IP~s were reported by farmers and CVO~s are asking farmers to check livestock twice/day.  

Tracings: All tracings have been completed from IP~s and tracings from SZ and indirect movements should be completed soon.

Epidemiology Report:  Further findings will be provided to CVO in the next few days.  This will help in estimating low and high risk areas and virus mode of spread.  

Movement Licenses:  A series of general licenses have been issued by Defra, Wales and Scotland and this should go someway to ease some welfare issues.   More licenses will be issued when safe to do so.   All government~s understand that welfare issues are becoming critical and there is an urgent need for further movements, store/breeding sales, etc.  

Regionalisation:  Much discussion on this at EU and Domestic Law levels.
EU Regionalisation (high risk/low risk areas) related to export trade - The Technical Committee in Brussels will review FVO report in October.   Preference is to get most of GB open and into exports but a fall back position is that Scotland could apply to become a low risk status, if GB approach couldn~t happen.  A clearer view on this will come after the EU meeting in October.  

GB Area classifications (domestic law) to allow movements for welfare and economic purposes - a structure is being worked up over the next few days.   A sequence of movement timelines will be issued (particularly important for movement of livestock from hills and uplands, store and breeding sales, etc). 

Contractor Licenses:  A range of licences are being considered and these will come shortly.

Extention to Drivers hours:  Need scenarios from industry to support change of drivers hours. 

UNKNOWN MOVEMENTS:  There are 139 movements which have occurred and not recorded and this is holding back progress.   If any farmers have moved livestock since August they must record the movement or contact their local Animal Health Office and report a movement. 

On-Farm Sales:  it is a legal requirement that farmers do not visit other farms during the FMD stand still because of the high risk of humans and vehicles spreading the virus. 

Lamb Welfare Disposal Scheme:  Scotland and Wales will agree a formal proposal to put to Defra and Ministers by next Wednesday.