Rules relaxed on livestock
Restrictions on the movement of livestock in the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire were being relaxed today but will remain in force in south-east England after a seventh case of foot and mouth. Restrictions on the movement of livestock in the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire were being relaxed today but will remain in force in south-east England after a seventh case of foot and mouth. Cattle slaughtered on a farm in Surrey have tested positive for the disease - but within the existing Egham Protection Zone. The risk of foot and mouth spreading in much of England is now considered low, allowing some restrictions to be relaxed, and farm-to-farm movements. But farmers in Staffordshire remain gravely concerned about the spread of the disease and have cancelled a meeting tomorrow to discuss the issue over fears of travelling from farm-to-farm. Read the full story in today's Express & Star.
Cattle slaughtered on a farm in Surrey have tested positive for the disease - but within the existing Egham Protection Zone.
The risk of foot and mouth spreading in much of England is now considered low, allowing some restrictions to be relaxed, and farm-to-farm movements.
But farmers in Staffordshire remain gravely concerned about the spread of the disease and have cancelled a meeting tomorrow to discuss the issue over fears of travelling from farm-to-farm.
They were due to meet with South Staffordshire Tory MP Sir Patrick Cormack and shadow agriculture minister James Paice.
Sir Patrick, who learned the meeting had been postponed yesterday, said: "I think it is worrying that there has been a further positive test for the disease - although we are assured that it is within the Surrey area - but every farmer is both apprehensive and vigilant.
"The fact that we now have another confirmed case of the bluetongue disease only adds to their woes.
"I personally would like to see the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs replaced by two ministries - one dealing with environmental issues and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food ministry restored," he added.
