Foot and Mouth.
(last updated 11/01/2008 16:09)

Over 150 countries maintain export bans on UK breeding stock.

Although the EU has lifted its export ban on 31st December this is only 26 countries. There are still more 150 countries that will not allow exports from UK. They are waiting for the World Health Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to confirm that the UK has regained its FMD freedom. This could take until February. After that each country can take as long it likes before re-opening to UK exports by delaying negotiations on export certification. After the 2001 outbreak it took three years to re-open the the Chinese market for British breeding stock. A limited programme funded by DEFRA is being carried out from January to March 2008. So far there is no funding available to carry this programme forward for the rest of the year. A continuous and concerted effort is required if our world renowned pig breeding industry is to survive.

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Vaccination. There have been many questions raised about vaccination. At present DEFRA's policy is to eradicate the disease by culling infected animals and dangerous contacts. Click here to see DEFRA's Vaccination Decision Tree.

The Breeds at Risk Register has been updated and so all members whose records are correct will have been included. You can check your details on-line in the members area. Make sure that we have a correct CPH and Herdmark for you and that you have given us data protection permission so that we can release your data.

LINKS

Scottish Members:  Click here to visit the SEERAD website

Welsh members: Click here to visit the Welsh Assembly website

Northern Ireland:   Click here to visit the DARDNI website

The Defra public helpline is currently operating from 6am-10pm. 08459 335577 (see below for other helplines)

Click here for the DEFRA website

Click here for DEFRA  FMD Questions and Answers page

DEFRA Factsheets

• How to spot foot and mouth disease (759 KB)

• Biosecurity – Preventing the introduction and the spread of foot and mouth disease (593 KB)

• What will happen when foot and mouth disease (FMD) is suspected or confirmed (693 KB)

BPEX Factsheets www.bpex.org.uk

• Building Temporary Accommodation
   

• General Guidelines For Accommodating Grower and Finisher Pigs During Movement Restrictions
   

• Feed management during movement restrictions
   

• Options for Cull Sows

HELPLINES
 

• The Defra public helpline is currently operating from 6am-10pm. 08459 335577
   

• BPA Breed Representatives - For breeding advice and general support
   

• RSPCA - 0870 753 8333 For animal welfare issues
   

• Royal Agricultural Benevolent Fund (RABI) - For financial assistance
   

• Arthur Rank Centre Addington Fund - For financial assistance