Relaxation of controls in the south
UK - DEFRA has relaxed the foot-and-mouth status from high-risk to low-risk for a large area of the south east, effective from midnight last night.The move, which effects Kent, Essex, East Sussex, Southend, Thurrock, Medway, Brighton and Hove, allows farm-to-farm movement of livestock to resume.
This decision comes after vets found no evidence of movements of FMD susceptible animals to those counties and no suspicious cases in the area.
Farmers are reminded that the bluetongue control measures remain in place where animals cannot leave the protection zone, with the exception of pigs.
Another indication that the Government is confident of its containment of FMD came as vaccination teams were stood down, but they can be raised again with five days notice.
Source: FarmersGuardian