FMD trail hunting restrictions to be lifted

“The decision has been announced this afternoon that it is DEFRA’s intention to lift all movement restrictions in England, Scotland and Wales outside the Foot and Mouth Risk counties on 17 October.

This depends on there being no change in the disease situation.

The Risk and Low Risk counties remain the same at the moment, but are subject to continual review. The Risk counties remain Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire.

This means that trail hunting may be resumed in Low Risk counties and fallen stock may be picked up, delivered to the Kennels and disposed of in the normal way in these counties. Trail hunting is still not possible in the Risk counties and fallen stock may only be dealt with under present restrictions in these counties.

We will of course let you know as soon as there are any further changes to this situation, especially over the Risk counties and the restrictions imposed within them.

We have lobbied hard throughout the Foot and Mouth crisis for more practical arrangements for the collection and disposal of fallen stock. As the wishes and bio security of farmers have always been our priority, it was only more recently that we lobbied for the resumption of trail hunting. We are most grateful to the many people who have helped us, particularly Kate Hoey MP, Ann Mallalieu, James Gray MP, the NFU, FUW and our friends within the Government Veterinary Service.”

Alastair Jackson
Director