EU foot-and-mouth measures eased

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EU restrictions on British meat and livestock imposed following outbreaks of foot-and-mouth have been eased after there were no new cases for two months.

Exports of meat, animal products and live animals to EU countries can now resume as normal, except from within certain parts of Surrey and London.

Export of live animals from these areas to the EU is still not allowed.

There have been eight foot-and-mouth cases in Surrey and Berkshire since August but none since 30 September.

Livestock movements within the UK can also return to normal.

Disease 'controlled'

From 31 December, animals from within all parts of the UK will be allowed to be exported live to EU countries.

Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg welcomed the news, saying: "Animal Health has worked hard to complete additional surveillance in time to allow this decision to be agreed.

"Our extensive surveillance demonstrates that the 2007 foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak has been effectively controlled.

"The final stage is to restore our international FMD-free status, which would allow third country exports to resume. We are working with third country authorities to achieve this."

Bluetongue restrictions remain in place and these movement rules must also be complied with when moving livestock.