Britain set to relax livestock movement controls

LONDON - Britain's farm ministry said on Friday it is relaxing some animal movement controls related to bluetongue disease with an easing of restrictions for a foot and mouth outbreak expected next week.

The ministry said in a statement that livestock markets would be permitted in bluetongue control zones from midnight on Sunday and animals could also be moved to approved slaughterhouses outside the controlled area.

Britain's first ever case of bluetongue was reported in Suffolk, eastern England, on Sept. 22.

The ministry said it also intends to lift all movement restrictions in England, outside of a foot and mouth risk area in Surrey in southern England, on Wednesday.

"The removal of the movement ban, outside of the foot and mouth disease risk area, should help the farming business start to get back to business as usual," deputy chief veterinary officer Fred Landeg said.

Peter Kendall, president of Britain's National Farmers Union, said the moves provided a much needed boost for livestock farmers who have faced difficult operating conditions and rock bottom prices for their stock.

"This demonstates the progress made in discussions aimed at getting the industry back to more normal trading conditions so the markets can work and avoid these disastrous prices continuing," he said in a statement.

Foot and mouth disease was found at a farm in Surrey on August 3 and there have been several subsequent cases in that area. The outbreak was traced to a government research centre just a few miles away.